Jaguars OLB Travon Walker has a banner year and other bold predictions for 2024

The Jacksonville Jaguars aren't getting much attention heading into 2024. It's understandable. They were the favorites to win the AFC South last year and were even a sleeper Super Bowl pick. Unfortunately, they crumbled under the weight of expectations. Not only did they finish second in the division but they also failed to make the playoffs. The silver lining is that the Jags operated with a sense of urgency this offseason.

Wanting to avoid another collapse, Jacksonville made changes to the coaching staff and the roster. Based on the moves they made, they should have a favorable shot to seize the AFC South again. Also, these there predictions should have a favorable chance of coming true.

Jaguars OLB Travon Walker will register 15 sacks in 2024

Travon Walker and Aidan Hutchison have been routinely compared since being drafted with back-to-back picks in 2022. Similarly, it's been debated if the Jacksonville Jaguars selected the "right" pass rusher at No. 1. Next season will provide a clearer picture.

For the sake of clarity, Walker and Hutchinson were fine prospects coming out of college. If the Jags hadn't drafted Walker first overall, he would've been the Detroit Lions' pick at No. 2, so those discussions about him being a reach are overblown.

Anyway, Hutchinson has had the better start in the NFL but that doesn't mean Walker is no slouch. In fact, the Jaguars' brass knew he was a project, and that his transition to outside linebacker would accentuate his learning curve. It took the former Georgia Bulldog a bit but he was able to hit his stride last year, registering 10 sacks. On the other hand, he must continue improving to justify his draft billing. He will do it in 2024.

Walker is returning to his more familiar three-point stance, where he's at his best, in defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen's 4-3 scheme. Speaking of Nielsen, his area of expertise is the defensive line. He should be able to squeeze every ounce of talent out of the Georgia native.

If that wasn't enough the Jaguars signed defensive end Arik Armstead in free agency. With Armstead wreaking havoc inside, opposing teams won't be able to command nearly as much attention, which will allow him to finish 2024 with 15 sacks.