Who Does Sports Illustrated Think the Jaguars' X-Factor Is?

The Jacksonville Jaguars have a host of players who serve as critical pieces for their 2023 success. The list starts and ends with Trevor Lawrence, but he is far from alone.

Likely right next to Lawrence on the list is another No. 1 pick, with 2022 No. 1 selection Travon Walker looking like one of the most important players for the 2023-24 season, albeit for different reasons.

Walker was named by Sports Illustrated as the Jaguars' X-Factor for the 2023 season, which comes just a year after the Jaguars made the controversial decision to select Walker over Aidan Hutchingson. Now, a new-look Jaguars' pass-rush is going to have to rely largely on Walker to find success.

"Walker disappointed in his rookie season after being selected with the No. 1 pick of the 2022 draft. Nonetheless, if he’s able to make strides this offseason, the Jaguars could have one of the best defenses in the league," Sports Illustrated said.

"Josh Allen is a quality pass rusher, but the Jaguars are hoping to have two or three reliable players at the position with Walker and K’Lavon Chaisson (who has struggled since entering the league as a ’20 first-round pick)."

Ultimately, Walker finished his rookie season with 3.5 sacks, 10 quarterback hits, five tackles for loss, one forced fumble, one interception, two pass deflections, 49 tackles, and 43 pressures.

Walker's 43 pressures ranked fourth among all rookie edge rushers, per Pro Football Focus.

"Everything that we saw in him in the draft process, we’re so thankful that we drafted him, he’s a part of our football team," Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said after the 2022 season.

"I just met with him a few minutes ago, and he’s excited for this offseason. He’s excited for his future. He understands he can get better and he can help us in different ways. He wants to take that next step in a leadership role, and I think that’s important for him to do."

“I think Travon, like all these rookies, it was a season of growth. You’re always looking at young players, and usually that step between year one and year two is the biggest jump that these guys have as players, but I think he did a lot of nice things," Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke said after the season.

"Like I talked to him a week ago, that stat number that everybody has in their mind of sacks is, in a lot of ways, very overvalued. There’s a lot of ways to influence a game, and I think Travon, you saw him do it, whether it be the run or the pass, he had an impact this year, and it’s only going to get better from here.”