With the first pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars selected Georgia defensive lineman, Travon Walker. It was a surprising selection in the eyes of many, but the Jaguars were enamored with the long-term potential that he possessed and felt that he would be a better investment with the No. 1 pick.
During his rookie season, Walker certainly showed flashes of star potential. His freakish athleticism and measurables are what led to him going No. 1 overall and with some more experience, it will show through more consistently.
In 15 games last season, Walker totaled 49 tackles with five tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and 10 quarterback hits. He added one interception and two passes defended to round out what was a solid, if not spectacular, stat line for Year 1.
Heading into Year 2 with the Jaguars, Walker has clear goals of what he would like to achieve. Thinking less on the field is one of them as he wants to play with more speed and a clearer head.
“I want to focus more on just playing faster, not thinking as much, playing with a clear head,” Walker told John Oehser of the team’s website. “I’ve been in the scheme, so I really shouldn’t be thinking as much. Now I should really be concentrating on the game of football to understand how veteran players do certain things, what are some tendencies I can pick up on from formations, things of that nature.
“There’s so much going on in the rookie season, coming into a new scheme, new coaches, just having to get a feel of the people that I’m going to be around. Now I just really go back to the basic fundamental game of football.”
There are a lot of adjustments that need to be made for a rookie in the NFL. Not only is the game faster with the best of the best being on the field, but you are also learning a brand new scheme and system. Naturally, there will be some hesitancy on the field as you are thinking through what to do, not reacting instinctually.
That is something Walker is hoping changes for him, as he prepares for his sophomore season. Surrounded by some excellent talent defensively, there are certainly going to be opportunities to put up stats. He also revealed a very lofty career goal he has in mind entering Year 2.
“I wouldn’t say it’s about accolades, but my main accolade is the gold jacket [for the Pro Football Hall of Fame],” Walker said. “I feel like if I get the gold jacket, the Super Bowl, all of that’ll come with that.”
That is certainly a bold goal to have, but the talent is there for Walker to achieve great heights in the NFL. With a great coaching staff around him, the sky’s the limit for someone with his potential.
