There is no questioning that Travon Walker took a step during the 2023 season. While the Jacksonville Jaguars fell apart down the stretch, Walker saw his production skyrocket.
After just 3.5 sacks as a rookie, Walker hit 10 in 2023 after recording at least half a sack in eight of the Jaguars' last 10 games. This included his first-ever multi-sack performance with two sacks vs. the Carolina Panthers in Week 17.
| Travon Walker | Pressures (PFF) | QB Hits | Sacks | Win % (PFF) | Pressure % (SIS) | Pressures vs. True Pass Sets (PFF) | Win % vs. True Pass Sets (PFF) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022 |
43 |
10 |
3.5 |
9.6% |
8.1% |
30 |
7.5% |
2023 |
59 |
19 |
10 |
9.7 |
13.9% |
38 |
14.2% |
As a result, it isn't far-fetched to think that Walker can be even better moving forward. The former No. 1 overall pick was better in 2023 than he was as a rookie, and now he will be getting the added boost of new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen entering Year 3.
As such, Walker was given the nod by PFF as the Jaguars' early breakout candidate for 2024.
"Walker hasn’t yet delivered the high-end pass-rush metrics that most would expect from a former first-overall pick, but this was always the most likely case for Walker, who was very much touted as a work in progress as a pass-rusher," PFF said.
"The positives through his first two seasons come from him still finding ways to win and produce strong pressure and sack numbers, greatly increasing his totals from his rookie to sophomore season. Walker’s 59 total pressures ranked tied for 22nd at his position, which he was able to turn into 10 sacks. Edge rushers typically start to hit their stride in Year 3 and beyond, and Walker at least appears to be heading in the right direction."
"Well, Travon [Walker], 10.0 sacks I think coming out of yesterday. You saw the improvement there, he's on the right track and really excited about him. He's somebody that teams have to account for," Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said at the end of the season.
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