Pro Football Focus selected the “most improved” player on each NFL team from the 2024 season, and for the Jacksonville Jaguars, they selected defensive end Travon Walker.
Walker, the first overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft by Jacksonville, posted similar pass rush production compared to a season ago. After recording 59 pressures and 11 sacks in 2023, according to PFF’s metrics, he tallied 56 pressures and 10 sacks this season.
Compared to his position group league-wide, Walker ranked 21st in pressures this season, he was tied for 17th in sacks, and 49th in pass rush win rate out of 121 eligible defenders.
While productive once again as a pass rusher, where Walker really took a step forward in his third NFL season was as a run defender.
PFF’s grading system isn’t the be-all-end-all when it comes to player evaluation, but Walker’s run defense grade showed major improvement from 2023 to 2024.
Among his position group, Walker would rank eighth in run defense tackles and 12th in run-stops.
“He was drafted into the NFL with the idea that he could already be a force against the run thanks to his physical tools and discipline,” wrote PFF. “If his improvement across the board continues, Walker could be one of the best every-down edge defenders in the league.”
The combination of Walker and Josh Hines-Allen at the defensive end positions is turning into a formidable duo for opposing offensive lines to have to contend with.
