National talking head puts Jaguars' young star on blast
There is a lot of pressure that comes with being a first-round pick in the NFL Draft. There's even more pressure being the first overall pick, a player who is looked to as a future superstar who can alter the course of a troubled franchise. However, the Jacksonville Jaguars' 2022 first round pick, Travon Walker, was […]
There is a lot of pressure that comes with being a first-round pick in the NFL Draft. There's even more pressure being the first overall pick, a player who is looked to as a future superstar who can alter the course of a troubled franchise. However, the Jacksonville Jaguars' 2022 first round pick, Travon Walker, was kind of unique in that he wasn't expected by many pundits to make an immediate impact from day one.
Having played many different positions Georgia's front seven, he was going to have to learn the outside linebacker position upon his transition to the NFL. And, despite very pedestrian numbers on the stat sheet, there was some momentum late in the season, as it appeared Walker was starting to find his sea legs a bit. Solid performances late in the season in crucial games against the Titans backs that up.
However, ESPN NFL Live analyst and former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marcus Spears thinks that Walker's 2022 season should serve to motivate him in 2023 and beyond, as he feels it was not up to what it should have been.
Field Yates asked Spears about how mindful Walker is about what 2nd overall pick Aidan Hutchinson did in Detroit last season and whether that should be on his mind.
"Most definitely. Mina [Kimes] and Dan [Orlovsky] know that. You look across the league anyways. But you look across the guy that went after you and had a better year, you should take it personally." – Marcus Spears via ESPN YouTube channel
Hutchinson undoubtedly had a better year of the two in the numbers department. 9.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, and 2 fumble recoveries. In the season finale against the Packers, Hutchinson led the Lions defense with a two-sack performance before a national audience as the Lions kept the Packers out of the playoffs with a 20-16 win at Lambeau Field. Pro Football Focus gave Hutchinson a strong 80.7 overall grade for 2022, with an excellent 84.7 coverage grade as well.
But while Hutchinson lived up to what many draft experts felt about him – that he was the more ready draft prospect of the two to have an early impact last season – Walker's success should come as he continues to get more comfortable with Mike Caldwell's defense. And that should also come as the team figures ways to get him more involved across the defensive line. Walker has already gotten work in the offseason further inside on the line, where he could see time and become a significant interior disruptor at times.
The story of the 2022 draft, how it played out, and who ultimately "won" is far from written. And if anyone paid attention late in the year, which apparently doesn't include Spears, the stars could be aligning for a big step forward for Walker in 2023 in Jacksonville.
Doug Pederson hints at Jaguars star moving around a bit this fall
The Jaguars head coach addressed a question about Travon Walker working with the Jags defensive line coach
Featured image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
