Jaguars’ Doug Pederson: Travon Walker ‘excited about new program’

When it comes to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defensive unit in 2024, expectations are high everywhere.

Not only do the Jaguars have the duo of Josh Allen and Travon Walker, who combined for 27.5 sacks a year ago, and a big plus in new defensive tackle Arik Armstead, but the hiring of defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen set the tone for the entire team. off season.

Nielsen has a new coaching staff, a new philosophy and, of course, a new scheme. Perhaps no linebacker on the roster has the potential to benefit more from this scheme than Walker, the No. 1 pick in 2022, who will end the 2023 sack season with double-digit sacks.

“He did well. He is obviously another bright spot in the defense. He is excited about the new plan,” Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said this week.

“He is another young player you can count on, even in a leadership position in defense and in the team. Just a great kid. Humble, hard-working, wants to improve, wants to improve, wants to learn and continues to develop. That’s what’s exciting about it.”

After just 3.5 sacks as a rookie, Walker reached 10 in 2023 after recording at least half a sack in eight of the Jaguars’ last 10 games. This included his first-ever two-sack performance in a Week 17 game against the Carolina Panthers.

“I think Travon might be the biggest upside in the league. He has that ability,” Armstead told Juston Lewis of the Florida Times-Union during OTAs. “He had an incredible year last year and I know he will have an incredible year this year.”