JACKSONVILLE – Jaguars experts – Frank Frangie, Brent Martineau, Kainani Stevens, John Oehser, Brian Sexton, John Shipley, J.P. Shadrick, Mark Duffner and Austen Lane – are breaking down the Jaguars as the 2026 NFL season approaches; today: A case for defensive MVP

John Oehser, jaguars.com senior writer

• Defensive Most Valuable Player: Defensive end Travon Walker. He may not lead the Jaguars in sacks. He may not lead them in any particular statistical category. And there are plenty of other key players on this defense: End Josh Hines-Allen, linebacker Foyesade Oluokun, nose tackle DaVon Hamilton. But the thought here is Walker is the best player on the defense when healthy, a dominant and intimidating player on run downs as well as a player who must be accounted for in passing situations – whether he's rushing from the edge or from the defensive interior. Walker played through wrist and knee injuries last season, and was key to the NFL's best run defense. If healthy, the expectation here is that Walker will re-emerge as a double-digit-sacks pass rusher and continue ascending as one of the NFL's best at his position.

Mark Duffner, former longtime NFL/Jaguars assistant coach and Jaguars Media Analyst

• Defensive Most Valuable Player: End Josh Hines-Allen. I believe he is positioned for his most productive season to date versus the run and pass. The improvement in the secondary, and his focused and determined attitude, will make this happen.

Frank Frangie, Radio Voice of the Jaguars

• Defensive Most Valuable Player: Hines-Allen. I think he is their best defensive player. And he looks like he is in fantastic shape. I think he will have a huge year.

Austen Lane, former Jaguars defensive end and Jaguars Media Analyst

• Defensive Most Valuable Player: Cornerback Travis Hunter. We have already seen glimpses of Hunter's ability as a shutdown corner, and if he stays healthy for an entire season, I think he will establish himself as one of the elite players at the position. The Kansas City Chiefs game showed everything I needed to see. Not only did he line up against tight end Travis Kelce and hold his own with physicality, but he also ran stride for stride with wide receiver Xavier Worthy on a deep route and broke up a pass despite Worthy's world-class speed.

Brent Martineau, Action Sports Jax Sports Director

• Defensive Most Valuable Player: Hines-Allen. Last year felt a lot like 2022 for Allen, one of those years in which he was around the quarterback a lot but didn't have the sacks to show for it. He followed that season with a 17.5-sack campaign. I am not sure he will get that many in 2026, but I think with improved coverage and a healthy Walker on the other side, Hines-Allen is going to have a big season.

Kainani Stevens, team reporter/producer

• Defensive Most Valuable Player: Hines-Allen. His 2023 season proved he has the ability to compete with the best pass rushers in the league. The Jags will need to see consistency from Hines-Allen throughout the season if they want to compete with the best teams in the league and make a deep playoff run.

John Shipley, Jaguars Media correspondent

• Defensive Most Valuable Player: Hines-Allen. There are several players to make a case for in the unit's second year under defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile, but I believe Hines-Allen is the most important piece they have on the entire defense. His combination of strong run defense and reliable pressure as a pass-rusher makes him indispensable, and only helps the defensive linemen around him as offenses throw most of their focus at stopping No. 41.

Brian Sexton, jaguars.com senior correspondent

• Defensive Most Valuable Player: Walker will play up to the new contract he signed in April. A dislocated wrist in San Francisco and sprained knee against the Los Angeles Chargers robbed him of his power and explosiveness last season, but if you go back to key plays on fourth down against the Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets and Tennessee Titans late last season, you can't miss what he was still capable of. He's a man among men, and plays to his length and strength, which makes him a game-wrecker. I expect him to post at least 10 sacks, which should unlock Hines-Allen on the other side of the defense to go get even more. Walker is the best player on the defense and as good a football player as you will find in the game today.

J.P. Shadrick, jaguars.com reporter/editor

• Defensive Most Valuable Player: Walker. He is the guy you want to walk off the bus first to set the tone. His size and strength are top level, and his pass-rush game is improving. Never question his toughness after playing through hand and knee injuries last season. In many ways, he is the player that embodies what this defense wants to be. It might not be in flashy stats all the time with Walker, but take him off the field and see how much the defense misses him.