Jaguars: Adam Gotsis gives Travon Walker huge praise after 2022 season
When you draft number one overall two years in a row you should have some of the best young stars on your team, and the Jaguars do in Trevor Lawrence and Travon Walker. The way the two were reciprocated on draft day is very different though. For Lawrence, he was the consensus number-one pick and […]
When you draft number one overall two years in a row you should have some of the best young stars on your team, and the Jaguars do in Trevor Lawrence and Travon Walker.
The way the two were reciprocated on draft day is very different though. For Lawrence, he was the consensus number-one pick and everyone who needed a quarterback wanted him. For Walker, a lot of media and fans questioned the decision to take him over Aiden Hutchinson.
Sure, I was one of the guys who thought it was an odd move, but I'm also man enough to say that so far Walker has proved me wrong. Hutchinson had a better rookie season, but that doesn't mean he will be better.
However, what one of Walker's teammates said about him and his rookie year would suggest that he is destined for greatness.
“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 of 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, and 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.”
We knew the pressure of being a number one pick can be heavy. But you could see in Walker's game, and the way he carries himself on and off the field, he already looks mature for his age, and his knack for wanting to get better rubs off on everyone around him.
But, what Gotsis said about Walker's versatility really stands out to me. Now, he didn't play nose tackle last season, but he did play some 3T. However, outside of that, he was an edge guy. 700 of his 879 total snaps were at outside linebacker.
But, I do think that if he can continue to perfect his craft he will have a bigger role on the defense and it's possible we could see him at nose tackle. Either way, Walker has shown that he has tremendous potential.
The Jaguars had the seventh-fewest sacks in 2022. If Gotsis words do come true, I think we could easily see that number come up. Walker has the potential to be a dominant pass rusher, and he could help improve their fifth-ranked run defense. I think we can also see him make up for Arden Key's loss in 2023.
Hopefully, though, that's if Gotsis words come true.
