Ex Jaguars DT Malik Jackson enthusiastic about Travon Walker's immense upside

Defensive end Arik Armstead has been around the league for a while, so he knows a playmaker when he sees one. Just recently, he complimented teammate Trevon Walker, noting that he could be the best edge in the league. Armstead isn't only in his praise for the first overall pick in the 2022 draft, though. Former Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Malik Jackson also spoke highly of Walker.

Jackson said on an appearance on Up & Adams that Walker is more athletic than he appears to be and should be more productive after the additions the Jaguars made to the defensive front.

"Now he's just a beast coming off the edge," Jackson told host Kay Adams. "It's one of those things. I think with him and his size, he's a little deceptive. You wouldn't think he's that fast. But I think he has a good repertoire of pass rush moves and he knows what he's doing. He's confident in himself. And then adding the other D-Linemen around him to take the pressure off and the double teams off him. I think it's going to be good for him to go out there to get more double-digit sacks seasons.

Walker got off to a slow start to his NFL career, registering just 4.5 sacks as a rookie. One reason he didn't do much of note was that he made the transition to standup pass rusher after mostly playing with his hand in the ground at Georgia. Add the fact that he spent the 2022 offseason preparing for the draft, and it's easy to understand why he didn't have a huge impact right off the bat.

Then again, the Jaguars knew Walker was somewhat of a project. Moreover, his rookie season was full of flashes. He nabbed an interception and logged a sack in the opener. Later in the season, he had one of his best games when he switched back to playing in a three-point stance.

With a year of experience under his belt, Walker showed what he was capable of doing in 2023, registering 10 sacks. Of course, he still has room for improvement. The Jaguars will want him to build off of his sophomore campaign and be even better next season. Here's Jackson's exchange with Adams in case you want to give it a look.

The Jaguars are giving Travon Walker as much help as they can

The Jaguars are surely pleased with Travon Walker's growth up until this point. However, they need more from him, so they made a few moves that should help him put it all together. For starters, the team's brass dismissed Mike Caldwell and hired Ryan Nielsen as the defensive coordinator.

Nielsen will be switching to a 4-3 scheme. That means Walker will once again line up in a three-point stance, where he's found the most success throughout his football career. Furthermore, Jacksonville signed Arik Armstead in free agency. Armstead is one of the best defensive tackles in the league and his presence in the interior will prevent teams from double-teaming Walker or Allen.

When you put those things together, there's no reason to think Travon Walker can be great. Current and former Jaguars players certainly believe he can be.

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