Jacksonville Jaguars edge rusher Travon Walker took a step forward in Year 2, generating 10 sacks and finding better pressure than in his disappointing rookie campaign.
New teammate Arik Armstead believes the former No. 1 overall pick owns the talent to continue his ascent.
“I think Travon can be the best edge in the league. He has that ability,” Armstead told Juston Lewis of the Florida Times-Union last week. “He had a tremendous year last year, and I know he’s gonna have a tremendous year this year.”
First, Walker would need to pass Pro Bowler Josh Allen to be the best edge on his own team.
Armstead, who played the last five years with former Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa, sees Walker as a player who can put it all together to shoot the moon.
“I think the sky’s the limit for him, and like I said, I think he can be the best edge in the league,” Armstead said. “He has that mindset too and I think I think he will be.”
Walker improved last season, generating 56 quarterback pressures, per Next Gen Stats, and upping his QB pressure rate to 12% (up from 10.2% as a rookie), but he still has a lot of room to grow. Adding more counters to his game and diversifying his moves would help Walker improve his pass rush win rate.
The addition of Armstead on the inside should help free up Walker. With offenses needing to key on Allen and Armstead, Walker should see more one-on-one situations.
“[I’m] just trying to help him in any way I can. Give him some knowledge, showing him different things that I use and how I break down offensive linemen,” Armstead said. “Some techniques that I’ve used throughout the years that I think will be great for him, and even better, because I don’t have the skillset and athletic ability that he has.”
