wilson88 Trayvon Walker believes he will improve under new Leopards defensive coordinator Ryan Nelsen.  wilson88

Former 2022 Jacksonville Jaguars draft pick Trevon Walker says he is enjoying the new-look defense under Ryan Nelsen, which allows him to play a more natural and efficient style of football, NFL Network reports. ( wilson88 )

“I feel like our defense right now suits me really well,” Walker said. “We play a very direct game, and I feel like having my hands on the ground makes me feel more explosive, and I feel like I can play ball now.”

Walker underwhelmed in his rookie season but is coming off a strong 2023 campaign, recording 10 sacks, 19 quarterback pressures and 10 tackles for loss, all of which are second only to Joshua Hines-Allen. The 23-year-old is now looking to take things to the next level next season. 

The Jaguars brought in Nelsen to replace Mike Caldwell at tight end this offseason, a move that would be a welcome one for Walker. 

‘Working with Ryan has been great,’ Walker said. ‘He’s the kind of guy who always tells us why we’re doing something, which makes it a little bit easier for us to do it.’

The Jaguars’ new approach will be similar to what Jacksonville head coach Doug Pederson used with the Philadelphia Eagles, which had Jim Schwartz running the defense at the time. 

“You’re going to see eight players on that defense,” Pederson said. “You’re going to see more rotation,” he said, emphasizing that his best pass rusher will be on the field, and that includes Walker.

“It’s a big jump from year to year,” Walker added. “It’s obviously just a continual progression. At this point in my career, I’ve got to be consistent. Obviously I want to do things that help my team win games, so consistency is the most important thing.”