Jacksonville Jaguars pass-rusher Travon Walker (ankle) is officially active for Week 17 against the Houston Texans. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity all week long. The No. 1 pick has amassed 45 tackles, 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one interception in 2022. He will return after a two-game absence and will be a big boost to a stream-worthy Jaguars defense/special teams this weekend against the weak Texans offense.
Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Travon Walker (ankle) is expected to suit up for the Week 17 matchup against the Houston Texans. The rookie linebacker has been sidelined since Week 14 due to a lingering knee issue. It's worth noting that the Jaguars don't have much to play for in this game. The division title comes down to their Week 18 matchup with the Tennessee Titans. That being said, Walker might have his reps limited, assuming he does suit up for this game. The 22-year-old has 45 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and one fumble forced in 13 games this season. His presence on defense would certainly be an upgrade for this team.
Jacksonville Jaguars rookie first-round linebacker Travon Walker (ankle) has been ruled out for Thursday night's game against the New York Jets in Week 16 after failing to practice on Wednesday. It will be the 22-year-old's second straight missed game due to an ankle injury. It's an upgrade for the Jets offense in another important game as they look to stay alive in the AFC playoff hunt. In Walker's first NFL season in 2022, he has 45 tackles (22 solo), 3.5 sacks, four tackles for loss, eight QB hits, one interception and a forced fumble in 13 games started. With Walker out again this week, look for K'Lavon Chaisson and Devin Lloyd to see more snaps on defense.
Jacksonville Jaguars rookie pass-rusher Travon Walker, the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft, flashed his potential in Saturday's training camp practice. He managed to find his way into the backfield on multiple occasions, whether against the run or pass. Walker quickly disposed of the second-team offensive line and tight ends when given a chance. As a pass-rusher, he showed bend and explosion and recorded a few pressures while at linebacker. In the run game, he was able to reset the line of scrimmage thanks to his length and powerful punch. Walker has done nothing but take first-team repetitions at outside linebacker so far, and the Jaguars aren't forcing him to play multiple roles. It's clear he's going to play early and often in his rookie campaign.
Jacksonville Jaguars rookie pass-rusher Travon Walker, the first overall pick in the draft, worked full time at outside linebacker during the team's rookie minicamp. "Just strictly working on outside linebacker things in practice I feel like I'm truly getting more comfortable with the position," Walker said. The first overall selection worked on pass-rush techniques and on dropping into coverage, which he will be asked to do at the position. The plan is for the rookie to focus on outside linebacker before working other positions. The 21-year-old could be a game-changing defensive player when it's all said and done, but it'll be interesting to see how he transitions to more of a traditional outside linebacker role in the NFL.
The Jacksonville Jaguars and first-round defensive end Travon Walker agreed to a four-year, fully guaranteed $37.4 million deal with a $24 million signing bonus on Thursday, according to sources. The deal for the No. 1 overall pick also includes a fifth-year option. Walker's athleticism jumped off the page, but he wasn't nearly as productive as Michigan edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, who went No. 2 overall to the Detroit Lions. Walker didn't start a game until his junior season at Georgia, and he had 9.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss in 36 games in college. With the right development in Jacksonville, the 21-year-old pass-rusher could turn into a key piece of their defense for years to come.
Jaguars Take Travon Walker First Overall In 2022 NFL Draft
The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Georgia defensive end Travon Walker with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft on Thursday night. For the second year in a row, the Jaguars had the first overall pick in the draft. Jacksonville has invested multiple first-round picks on the defensive side of the ball in recent years, and they went with another pass-rusher in 2022. Walker was a rotational defensive line player for the national champions, so his statistics don't jump off the page (six sacks last year), but he has the physicality, athleticism and versatility to perform well at the next level. He ran a 4.51-second 40-yard dash at the combine and has wowed teams with his pure athleticism. Walker generates impressive power from the ground up and has another switch he can turn on.
Travon Walker Emerging As Favorite For No. 1 Pick?
The Jacksonville Jaguars appear to have narrowed their choice to four players for the No. 1 overall selection in this week's draft -- Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, NC State offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu, Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal and Georgia defensive end Travon Walker. Ian Rapoport reported that most general managers and coaches he has spoken to suggest that Walker has the best chance to be taken first. The Jaguars do not seem to have a viable trade partner to shop the pick, and Walker is now the betting favorite to be the first name called. Walker has been compared to defensive end Aldon Smith, who Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke drafted while leading the front office in San Francisco. The 21-year-old Walker finished his junior season with 37 tackles (19 solo) and six sacks.
