Travon Walker wasn’t quite the dominant force that some other defensive rookies were during the 2022 season, but the No. 1 overall pick had his moments in his first year with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The pass rusher finished his rookie season with 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one interception. While those stats don’t exactly jump off the page, veteran defensive lineman Adam Gotsis — who re-signed with the Jaguars on a two-year deal over the weekend — says he sees nothing but great things in Walker’s future.
“Travon’s one of those guys that literally can play nose tackle to nine technique, you know, depending on what package you want to put out there,” Gotsis said in an interview on 1010XL. “He’s a huge part in what we try to do defensively, and he’s going to be moving forward. Last year, he had a hell of a year coming in. It’s a tough spot to be in, No. 1 pick, you’ve got a lot of pressure on you. A lot of new faces, a new environment, but he handled it awesomely.
“He came in and he was one of the leaders on defense. He found his voice. He was out there talking, making plays for us, and that’s what you really want to see. I expect an even bigger and better year from him this year. He’s an absolute superstar and just to see his growth throughout the year was awesome too, not only on the field, but in the locker room.”
The Jaguars finished the 2022 season with 35 sacks, seventh fewest in the NFL. However, it was the top team in the league in quarterback knockdowns with 77.
Jacksonville will surely look to add a pass rusher or two before the season starts after Arden Key joined the Tennessee Titans in free agency and Dawuane Smoot hit the open market earlier this month. But nothing would help the team harass opposing quarterbacks more than the quick development of Walker.
