The Jaguars began the Doug Pederson era with a road date against the Commanders (-3). Over the long run, thanks to the steady hand of Pederson, and bright young players like the last two No. 1 overall picks in Trevor Lawrence (2021) and Travon Walker (2022), Jacksonville could have a bright future ahead.
In his NFL debut, Walker showed off his tantalizing potential as a pass rusher (one QB hit, one sack) and in coverage. You read that right.
On an early fourth-quarter play, with the Jaguars holding on to a tenuous 15-14 lead, Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz tried to dump off a pass to his running back. Unfortunately, Walker was lying in wait to make a very athletic interception:
No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker picks off Carson Wentz.pic.twitter.com/qCEX2F53Nr
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 11, 2022
Oh my goodness. Now that’s a really cool play for anyone to make, let alone a top draft pick. Mind you, Walker also weighs a listed 276 pounds and made that pick like a linebacker. So, yeah, it’s pretty impressive.
Unfortunately for Walker and the Jaguars, they would end up losing 28-22 to Washington. But if Walker’s making plays like this in his debut, it should only be a matter of time before he starts potentially elevating the play of his teammates in wins.
NFL praised the rookie Walker for his pick of Wentz
What a play https://t.co/KYrtMHOpG9
— April’s Fool (@kingnaate) September 11, 2022
Why draft the freak of nature you say? https://t.co/H1KkiOQHgS
— Ryan Moses (@R_moses2) September 11, 2022
It's Week 1 but this might go down as one of the coolest interceptions of the season https://t.co/nDEkV9XLMi
— mike Maher. (@mikeMaher) September 11, 2022
What a snag https://t.co/EluuRrGRC5
— Bryson (@BrysonFlowTyson) September 11, 2022
Sheeesh that was nice https://t.co/IORgpfxf1T
— twitch:cel22_ (@_marcelevans) September 11, 2022
Maybe the best big man pick I’ve ever seen. https://t.co/AP1m9kwifD
— Damiete (@DamiDC) September 11, 2022
Go Dawgs. https://t.co/HKGs9nlRMn
— dp (@dpalm66) September 11, 2022
What a play bro https://t.co/LZ4XGIV8BN
— B (@bwriiight) September 11, 2022
I need a moment https://t.co/6snRmosoxF
— Richard🇬🇾Johnson (@RJ_Writes) September 11, 2022
