3 young Jacksonville Jaguars ready for bigger roles in 2023
No. 2 Jacksonville Jaguars player ready for a bigger role - Travon Walker
No. 2 young Jaguar ready for a bigger role in 2023. Travon Walker, OLB. player. . . . 44. 52
Being the top pick in the draft is a dream come true for players that hope one day to play in the NFL. However, being chosen first overall also comes with expectations and the case could be made that outside linebacker Travon Walker didn't live up to them as a rookie.
The Jaguars made it clear from the very beginning that they didn't expect Walker to make a huge impact right off the bat, as he was making the transition to outside linebacker full-time. See, Walker lined up at different spots for the Bulldogs but he rarely rushed the passer from a standup position, and it was going to take him time to get used to his new role.
Walker started the 2022 season with a bang, registering a sack and snagging an interception against the Washington Commanders. However, he disappeared at times and finished the year with jut 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
On the other hand, the Georgia native flashed at times and showed how dominant he could be against the Tennessee Titans in Week 14, registering three total pressures (two hurries and one sack) while posting a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 77.4, his best mark in the season.
Walker should feel more comfortable in his "new position" heading into Year 2 and if he can pick up where he left off last season, he could form a dynamic pass-rush duo alongside outside linebacker Josh Allen.