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Jaguars DL Arik Armstead on DE Travon Walker: 'Travon can be the best edge in the league'
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- Jaguars DL Arik Armstead on DE Travon Walker: 'Travon can be the best edge in the league'
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman Arik Armstead has played with a lot of talented pass rushers in his nine-year NFL career.
And he sees high-end talent in one of his new running mates — former No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker .
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"I think Travon can be the best edge in the league. He has that ability," Armstead told the Times-Union after the seventh organized team activity from the Miller Electric Center last week. "He had a tremendous year last year and I know he's gonna have a tremendous year this year."
Jaguars linebacker Travon Walker (44) reacts to his sack on Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson in a December game.
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Walker is entering his third season in the NFL and saw a major statistical jump last season. After recording 3.5 sacks as a rookie, Walker crossed the double-digit threshold with 10 last season and added 10 tackles for a loss and 19 quarterback hits.
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It was a "step" according to Walker, but he noted that he has "a lot more room to improve" at the end of last season . Some of that improvement could come from new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, who's known for his work with defensive linemen.
But Walker will have another helping hand in Armstead. The veteran pass rusher has 33.5 career sacks and brings a versatility that can suit Walker well.
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Arik Armstead (91) talks with defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen during an organized team activity Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at EverBank Stadium’s Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla.
"[I'm] just trying to help him in any way I can. Give him some knowledge, showing him different things that I use and how I break down offensive lineman," Armstead said. "Some techniques that I've used throughout the years that I think will be great for him, and even better, because I don't have the skillset and athletic ability that he has."
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Pairing the franchise single-season sack record holder, Josh Allen , with Walker and now, with Armstead, could make for different defensive fronts depending on the down and distance.
If Walker continues his ascension, Jacksonville's pass rushing contingent could top the league in production.
Armstead is confident Walker will be at the forefront.
"I think the sky's the limit for him and like I said, I think he can be the best edge in league," Armstead continued. "He has that mindset too and I think I think he will be."
Juston Lewis is a Jacksonville Jaguars beat reporter for the Florida Times-Union. You can follow him on the website formerly known as Twitter at @JustonLewis_ .
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Arik Armstead thinks Travon Walker can be best edge rusher in the NFL
