5 Jaguars staring at the chance to earn their 1st Pro Bowl nomination in 2023

2. Jaguars player staring at this 1st Pro Bowl selection: Travon Walker, OLB

Teams usually use the later rounds of the draft to look for developmental players but the Jaguars used the first overall pick in last year's draft to select a raw yet enticing talent in Travon Walker. Jacksonville could've gone with the more NFL-ready Aidan Hutchinson or fortified their trenches with either Ikem Ekwonu or Evan Neal.

Instead, Jacksonville bet on Walker to become a dominant pass rush. So far, the results are mixed but a player's readiness is always variable and the former Bulldog needed to make a huge adjustment in 2022.

Back at Georgia, Walker played several positions but he rarely rushed the passer from a standup position. However, general manager Trent Baalke believed he had the traits to excel as an outside linebacker full-time, so he made the transition as a rookie.

The Georgia native got off to a strong start, intercepting a pass and registering a sack against the Washington Commanders. However, he cooled down the rest of the season. He did show flashes at times, especially when he played with his hand on the ground.

Recognizing Walker is at his best when he plays in a three-point stance, he's been practicing with defensive line coach Brentson Buckner. Even though he'll still line up at outside linebacker next season, the coaching staff is trying to put him in a position to succeed and maximize his talent.

All things considered, it wouldn't be shocking to see Walker flirt with the 10-sack mark in 2023. In fact, talks will center around how much he's improved in Year 2.