There haven’t been many seasons in the past few years when the Jacksonville Jaguars were celebrated for their first-round success.
Can 2022 change that?
Over the course of four weeks, there’s no questioning the impact that No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker and No. 27 overall pick Devin Lloyd have had on Jacksonville’s defense. Walker is his second in defense-generated pressure and running, although he has been strong in the game, Lloyd has tackled (38), intercepted (2) and passed in his breakups (6). They are in first place on the team.
As a result, national voices such as The Athletic and NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah are increasingly praising the Jaguars.
The Athletic’s early All-Rookie team has both Lloyd and Walker in the top two spots at EDGE and off-ball linebacker respectively. If the Jaguars can say they have a top-line backer and pass rusher in the draft at the end of 2022, they’re in a good place to move forward.
“This is a difficult conversation because, like when evaluating this position pre-draft, there is good news and bad news all around,” wrote The Athletic.
According to Pro Football Focus, Hutchinson leads all rookie edges through four games with “true passing set pressure” (9) and sacks (3), but his and Walker’s winning percentages are rather mediocre. (PFF grade 8% each). . ”
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The praise for Walker, albeit a bit bullish, is notable, but the praise for Lloyd, the second linebacker drafted in 2022, is undeniable.
“In a nutshell, Lloyd was phenomenal. After (inexplicably) dropping to No. 27 in the draft, the Utah product paired with Travon Walker to help the Jaguars rebuild their defensive identity. helped me to do that,” wrote Athletic.
“Lloyd has 38 tackles and six pass breakups, picking a pass in each of Jacksonville’s two previous wins, a total of four as an Ute last year. He’s probably the frontrunner for Defensive Rookie of the Year after four weeks.”
Jeremiah, meanwhile, has placed each of his pairs in the top four of the rookies through four matches. New York Jets cornerback Source Gardner and New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave occupy the top two spots, while Walker and Lloyd finish his third and his fourth overall. I’m here.
“Walker, the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft, is already a dominant run defender and pass rusher,” Jeremiah wrote.
“We saw Lloyd go head-to-head with the Chargers in Week 3 and he was the best player on the field that day (7 tackles, 3 passes defended, 1 interception). He has amazing instincts. has a range of
But members of the media aren’t the only ones who appreciate the duo. Houston Texans head coach Robbie Smith said in a call with Jacksonville media this week that some opposing coaches aren’t afraid to throw tributes to the duo of Jacksonville’s rookie defenders.
“He’s a great football player that everyone likes to come out with,” Smith said. “We spent a little more time with Travon than Devin, but we know exactly who they are. Both are good footballers, a lot of talent, a young talent.” And the young talent is getting better every week.
“So it’s fun to see talented players who look a little different each week picking up one little thing each week that allows them to play a little faster. It’s a great defensive ball club to have.”
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