The Jacksonville Jaguars raised eyebrows when they passed on the NFL-ready Aidan Hutchinson to draft Travon Walker first overall in 2022. However, the decision has recently been looked at in a more positive light, and rightly so. A project out of Georgia, Walker has shown progress the past two years. In fact, his promising development helped him earn a coveted moniker.
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report recently drew up a list of the most promising building blocks in the NFL and included Walker, pointing out that the former Bulldog has made noticeable strides and is poised to have a career year in 2025.
"The Jaguars have exercised the fifth-year option in Walker's deal," Moton wrote. "While it remains to be seen if he gets a new contract, his stock has been on the rise."
Moton continued, "Walker has increased his total sacks and tackles for loss every year in the league. The 2022 No. 1 overall pick has star potential and could be in line for his most productive year in 2025."
Players' readiness is always variable, and the Jags knew that Walker was going to be a developmental prospect. And while Hutchinson has turned out the better of the two, the Thomaston, Georgia native has become a good player in his own right.
Then again, you don't want to take a good player with the top pick in the draft. You're expected to come out with an All-Pro, and Walker has yet to reach that level. Fortunately, the signs that he may be able to get there.
The Jaguars should expect a breakout season from Travon Walker. Here's why
The comparisons with Aidan Hutchinson will never stop, especially when you take into account that he was having a Defensive Player of the Year-caliber season before he broke his fibula and tibia in 2024.
However, Travon Walker doesn't have to be as good as his Detroit Lions counterpart to validate the Jacksonville Jaguars' decision to draft him in 2022. He simply needs to play to the best of his capabilities and become the pass rusher he was projected to be. He's in a position to pull it off.
As Moton noted, Walker has gotten better each year, posting a combined 20.5 sacks the past two years. It's also worth noting that he was one of the most productive players in 2024 despite the fact that he was asked to put on unnecessary weight. On top of that, the defense as a whole struggled under Ryan Nielsen.
Walker is back at his playing weight, and Anthony Campanile is calling the shots on defense. Moreover, Arik Armstead is back at defensive tackle, and Maason Smith is expected to keep improving after a strong finish to his rookie season. With the two demanding attention from opposing teams, the fourth-year defensive end and bookend pass rusher Josh Hines-Allen should find more favorable matchups.
Travon Walker is in a position to reach his potential in 2025, and if he does, the Jaguars may regret waiting to give him a contract extension. Then again, they'll gladly take out their checkbook if he does turn out to have a monster year.
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