5 biggest X-Factors for the Jaguars not named Trevor Lawrence in 2024
![Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Travon Walker (44) on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_6000,h_3375,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images%2FImagnImages%2Fmmsport%2F55%2F01hz8cqadgry0nkma7z7.jpg "Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Travon Walker (44) on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]")
Mitch Morse will be an X-Factor for the Jaguars in 2024
It's not often that centers get the spotlight in the NFL but that's where Mitch Morse finds himself ahead of 2024. A grizzled veteran, Morse will battle incumbent Luke Fortner for the starting spot in training camp. That said, the Jaguars wouldn't have brought in the former if they thought the latter did a good job last year.
Last year, the Jags couldn't run the ball in the middle or give Trevor Lawrence enough time to throw because the offensive line couldn't block. That's where Fortner struggled and Morse is expected to bring stability. While he's never been a Pro Bowl, the former Mizzou Tiger should be an upgrade at center. An added benefit of signing him in the offseason is that he could help mentor some of the younger guys in the trenches.
In the end, Morse won't get nearly as much attention as other players in 2024 but will be as important for the Jaguars' success on offense.
Travon Walker will be an X-Factor for the Jaguars in 2024
Outside linebacker Josh Allen had a breakout season in 2024, registering a team-best 17.5 sacks. Travon Walker wasn't nearly as productive but he still managed to cross the 10-sack mark. Heading into Year 3, he'll need to be even better and become the dominant pass rusher the Jaguars envisioned when they drafted him first overall in 2022.
And that's the thing, Walker has made strides the past two years but you don't want strides from a first-round pick, let alone the first overall. The Jaguars will need him to wreak havoc next season. This is especially true when you take into account that the Jags don't have much depth behind him and Allen.
Working in Walker's favor is the arrival of defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, whose expertise is the defensive line. Moreover, he'll be lining up with his hand on the ground, where he's at his best, more often next season. Add the signing of Arik Armstead, who'll create pressure from the interior, and Walker should have no trouble putting up even better stats than he did in 2023.
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