1 Surprising Player Who Could Make or Break the Jaguars’ 2024 NFL Season

The Jacksonville Jaguars are on the verge of something extraordinary. With a dynamic offense led by Trevor Lawrence and a defense that has shown flashes of brilliance, the AFC South title is within reach. Sure, the spotlight often falls on the franchise quarterback and the explosive skill players. However, a rising force on the defensive line, Travon Walker, could ultimately determine the team’s success.

The Jaguars So Far

Lawrence, still just 24, remains a beacon of hope for the franchise. Meanwhile, edge rusher Josh Allen stands out as a star and a young leader on the defensive front, with 17.5 sacks last season. Both players recently signed substantial extensions to secure their futures in Jacksonville. With head coach Doug Pederson, a Super Bowl champion, at the helm and a team that pulled off one of the most gutsy playoff wins just two seasons ago, the foundation for future success is firmly in place.

In June, Lawrence was rewarded with a five-year, $275 million contract that included $142 million guaranteed at signing. Such a deal comes with immense expectations, especially Super Bowl aspirations. However, there are concerns about whether Jacksonville will receive a sufficient return on its investment. This is especially true considering Lawrence ranked fourth in interceptions (14) and led quarterbacks in fumbles thrown (seven) last season.

As for the team’s wide receivers, rookie Brian Thomas Jr. was highly touted in this year’s draft. He scored 17 touchdowns last season. His scoring efficiency, with touchdowns on 4.1 percent of his team’s pass attempts, was unmatched by any other receiver in his class. Thomas accomplished this despite sharing targets with Malik Nabers at LSU, underscoring his potential impact on the Jaguars’ offense.

Remember, the Jaguars finished last season with a 9-8 record and failed to make the postseason. In order to rebound and emerge as contenders, they’ll need flashy performances from key players like Trevor Lawrence and Josh Allen. Additionally, a handful of players need to continue their upward trajectory to help the team reach its full potential.

Here, we look at the surprising player who could make or break the Jacksonville Jaguars’ playoff chances in the 2024 NFL season.

Travon Walker, EDGE

Being drafted first overall is a dream come true for any NFL prospect. However, it also comes with immense pressure and high expectations. Multiple Pro Bowl selections, All-Pro designations and perhaps even a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame are often the benchmarks for top picks. By those standards, Travon Walker’s start in the NFL has been a bit of a disappointment.

Walker was selected first overall in 2022 and was a dominant force in college. However, his transition to a standup linebacker role in Jacksonville marked him as a developmental project. That’s acceptable for a mid- or late-round pick, but not what you’d expect from a top overall selection.

Despite this, the Jaguars believed in Walker’s potential and were willing to wait for him to develop. In his rookie season, Walker showed flashes of his ability. However, he was largely unremarkable, with 4.5 sacks and one interception.

In his second year, Walker made big strides. He had 10 sacks, five of which came in the final four games of the season. This indicates a late-season resurgence and growth in his role. This kind of late-season production suggests the Jaguars’ patience could be paying off. Walker’s best is yet to come.

Shift down

In 2024, Walker will once again play with his hand in the ground under defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen’s scheme. This shift back to his collegiate position, where he excelled, could lead to increased productivity. The addition of defensive tackle Arik Armstead will also play a crucial role. Armstead’s presence will demand attention from opposing offenses. He could potentially free up Walker to take advantage of more one-on-one opportunities.

Walker’s pressure rate improved by three percentage points in his sophomore year. His ability to finish plays also improved significantly. With Allen on the other side and the addition of Armstead, Walker should find more opportunities to make impactful plays. The increased maturity and familiarity with the defensive system should also contribute to better performance.

Walker’s trajectory is clearly on the rise. The addition of Armstead to Jacksonville’s defensive line will only help him and outside linebacker Josh Allen in their quest to disrupt quarterbacks. Armstead’s presence on the interior will make it difficult for offensive lines to consistently double-team the Jaguars’ edge rushers. This would create more favorable matchups for Walker.

Looking forward

The AFC South is a division on the rise, with the Titans, Colts and Texans all showing signs of improvement. In order to secure a playoff spot, the Jaguars will need to significantly improve their defense. At the heart of that defense is Travon Walker. If he can make the leap from a promising prospect to a dominant force, the Jaguars will be a formidable opponent for any team in the NFL.

Again, while the spotlight may be on the offense and high-profile acquisitions, it’s the quiet, unassuming Walker who can make the difference between a good season and a deep playoff run. His development and performance will be crucial in determining whether the Jaguars can rise to the occasion and make a significant impact in the playoffs.