JACKSONVILLE – He's a little older – and a little lighter.
He's a little more adjusted to the NFL, too. That's natural, and defensive end Travon Walker emphasized the last part early this week as Jaguars organized team activities continue at the Miller Electric Center.
He's entering Year 4 now, and all that comes with that.
"I'm a lot more comfortable," he said.
Walker, the No. 1 overall selection by the Jaguars in the 2022 NFL Draft and one of their most consistent defenders in recent seasons, spoke to the media following Day 4 OTA practice Tuesday. Head Coach Liam Coen spoke just afterward – and when Coen spoke of the Jaguars' 2024 sacks leader, he emphasized off-field as much as on.
"You can definitely see some of the leadership qualities he has just naturally," Coen said. "He has done things the right way since the day he walked in here. He has a great demeanor in terms of just being around the building, being in the meeting setting, but also out here on the grass."
Coen called Walker a "pro's pro."
"He knows how to practice," Coen said. "You don't see him out of control all that often. He has really good body control for a big guy. I'm sure he could probably do a lot more damage out here in some of these settings than he's allowing on, but he's doing it the right way.
"He's focusing on his fundamentals and techniques, he's trying to do the right things all the time."
Walker, who has registered double-digit sacks the last two seasons, can become the first player in franchise history to do so in three consecutive seasons. He said he likes the defense installed by first-year coordinator Anthony Campanile, and he likes the overall attitude of the new coaching staff under Coen.
"I love him," Walker said of Coen. "He brings great energy. All the coaches do, but I think it starts with him. He is a big energy guy. He is always trying to get feedback from the players, so I feel like that is going to carry us a long way as well."
Walker is among multiple Jaguars defensive players – a group that includes defensive end Josh Hines-Allen and linebacker Devin Lloyd – who appear leaner this offseason after gaining weight last offseason to play in then-coordinator Ryan Nielsen's scheme. Walker said he is down about three pounds and has focused on his body composition since the offseason program began in mid-April.
"I am not going to use that as an excuse, but I felt like it took a little bit of a toll on me closer the end of the season," Walker said of the weight gain. "It has its pros and its cons."
Walker said while the Jaguars' defensive scheme isn't dramatically different from last season, there's a different feel that is reflective of Coen and Campanile.
"My main thing is the energy," he said. "It was kind of missing a little bit last year and I feel like it is going to play a big role with what the coaches are bringing in now. I wouldn't say it's different. There are a lot of components to it. It's like a multi-D. You are running some of everything, so you just have to stay on top of your playbook.
"I really don't feel like anything is changing. We are getting after the ball and rolling. There are a lot of things in this defense that I feel like we can take advantage of."
Walker called Campanile "a great guy."
"The first thing that sticks out is the energy," Walker said. "He is consistent with it every day. All you can ask for is a person to be the same person everyday regardless of if he's a high-energy guy or just a mellow guy. He is one of those high-energy guys every day."
As Walker enters his fourth NFL season, he has emerged as not only a top edge defender and consistent pass rusher but a leader on a defense that expects to improve dramatically after ranking 31st in the NFL in 2024 – 32nd in passing defense and 25th against the run.
"It is just a lot more mental now," Walker said. "I feel like I play a lot faster. The guys in the locker room are a lot more comfortable with me, too. I feel like all that just came with coming into the league, establishing myself and making plays for myself regardless of what the media said or what position I was drafted in.
"Everybody wants to get double-digit sacks. For me, I just want to be a total and complete football player. I want to be able to stop the run because we aren't able to rush the passer without stopping the run. Once we do that it allows us to get after the quarterback. I just want to come out here and be the best overall player I can be every day."
