Jaguars’ 2022 First-Round Duo Making Strides Before Critical Stretch

Oh, how far they have come.

Following a disastrous, Urban Meyer led 2021 season, the Jaguars’ General Manager Trent Baalke found himself with the first overall selection in the 2022 NFL draft. A late day one trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would leave Baalke with two first round selections and two players he hoped would turn into defensive cornerstones for the franchise.

Both his first round selections faced hurdles their rookie seasons as Travon Walker was overshadowed by fellow Detroit rookie, Aidan Hutchinson and Devin Lloyd would end the season benched for teammate Chad Muma.

Fast forward midway through their second season and the improvement these two have made has been immeasurable. The pair have become two of Jacksonville’s most dependable and consistent players, quickly developing into the players’ Baalke had hoped they would when he sent in their draft cards.

Walker’s development has meant a lot to both the team and Jaguars’ fans. In 15 games last season, Walker amassed 36 pressures and 3.5 sacks. This season alone, the Georgia product has already surpassed his rookie figures. Through just 12 games, Walker has stockpiled 40 pressures, including five sacks.

Those numbers put Walker on pace to finish the season with 57 pressures and seven sacks. In comparison, the Jaguars’ star pass-rusher Josh Allen finished last season with 68 pressures and seven sacks.

Walker is no doubt still developing as it is his bullrush that generates the young edge rusher the majority of his success. His down-to-down consistency also needs to improve, however, in the last eight weeks or so fans have seen Walker come alive.

Often compared to Rashan Gary for their similar athletic profiles and rawness coming out of college, the Jaguars hope to see the same colossal year three jump from Walker that Gary experienced. Everyone knew it would take time for Walker to become the player many thought he could evolve into. This season, fans are getting to see the promotional trailer for what is likely to premiere next season.

It’s a very similar story for Devin Lloyd. Lloyd was the draft darling of many Jaguars’ fans as they were excited to see the Utah prospect slot next to Foye Oluokun. It started out with excitement as he nabbed two interceptions and six pass deflections in his first three games.

The excitement quickly dwindled as the speed of the NFL caught up to Lloyd. He struggled during the latter half of the season, eventually being replaced by Muma. Muma and Lloyd would split time for the remainder of the season.

The Jaguars had hoped Lloyd would have a sophomore surge and has he ever. Despite playing much of this season with a thumb injury, dawning a cast for several games, Lloyd’s impact has not gone unnoticed.

Lloyd leads all linebackers with seven pass deflections. If not for his cast, the young backer would likely have three interceptions as well. He has also excelled in zone coverage as he is currently Pro Football Focus’ sixth ranked linebacker in zone coverage with a grade of 81.6.

He also happens to be the Jaguars’ best run-defender according to PFF and eighth among all linebackers. Lloyd’s quick ascent has gifted the Jaguars one of the better linebacker duos in the NFL. His partner in crime, Foye Oluokun is having a career year himself as he eyes a chance to three-peat as the NFL’s leading tackler.

After a worrisome rookie year for Walker and Lloyd, the gruesome twosome have helped the Jaguars become one of the league’s best defenses, despite the awful showing Monday night against the Bengals.

Defensive Coordinator Mike Caldwell was quite complimentary of Walker and Lloyd’s play this season.

“You can see throughout the year the maturity. They are able to understand plays, react to things quicker. You see the pash rush. Travon [Walker] had a half one the other night. He’s able to push the pocket,” said Caldwell.

He went on to say, “Devin [Lloyd] is seeing things faster, but at the end of the day, they just have to continue to do that. The more they do it, the better they will get and the more plays they will make for us. We are excited for those guys to continue to progress the way they have.”

Their contributions have helped the Jaguars’ defense rank among the NFL’s best in many categories. The unit is tied for the second most turnovers (21), sixth in rushing yards allowed per game (93.1) and seventh in scoring chance per drive (31.4%).

With the recent injury bug plaguing the team on both sides of the ball, the coaching staff will look to lean more heavily on this pair to help keep the team in playoff contention until healthy. If the first 12 games are any indication, these two should have no problem being up to the task.