JACKSONVILLE – Jaguars experts – Frank Frangie, Brent Martineau, John Oehser, Brian Sexton, J.P. Shadrick and Kainani Stevens – are breaking down the Jaguars as the 2025 NFL season approaches; today: The Jaguars' projected defensive Most Valuable Player in '25
Frank Frangie, Radio Voice of the Jaguars
- Defensive MVP and why: Hines-Allen. Because he has slimmed back down and seems ready for another big year, and pass rushers are still the most important defensive players.
Brent Martineau, Action Sports Jax Sports Director
- Defensive MVP and why: I think the Defensive MVP this season is going to be Walker. The former first overall pick continues to ascend, and it doesn't seem like a lot of people are noticing. I think Walker will produce his biggest year yet with more splash plays and a career high in sacks. I think the Jaguars should pay Walker now, but a big season for Walker will only put more money in his pocket down the road.
Kam Nedd/Jacksonville Jaguars
John Oehser, jaguars.com Senior Writer
- Defensive MVP and why: The Jaguars enter the '25 season in transition – and that's as true on defense as anywhere else. But there is talent on this defense at multiple positions – with a list of very legitimate Defensive Most Valuable Player candidates that includes defensive ends Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen and perhaps middle linebacker Foyesade Oluokun.There are multiple intriguing storylines here, too, particularly veteran Arik Armstead moving inside to his "natural" tackle position after playing end last season. Could rookie wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter make enough of an impact to be the team's Defensive MVP? That's a big ask for a rookie. The guess here is the best defensive player will be one of the two veteran, reliable ends – Walker or Hines-Allen. Those two are the Jaguars' best defensive players. I expect Walker to continue the steady improvement he has made in his first three NFL seasons and be the Most Valuable Player on a vastly improved defense this season with Hines-Allen also pushing for double-digit sacks.
Brian Sexton, jaguars.com Senior Correspondent
- Defensive MVP and why: Walker has been outstanding since he arrived in 2022, with even his most ardent critics now agreeing he's a hell of a football player and the guy the Jaguars can least likely afford to lose. It's therefore a good thing they rarely have to play without him. He's a game-wrecker – and though he might not have the explosiveness off the edge of Hines-Allen,he's a threat – a guy the offense must account for on every single play. I think he will have a breakthrough season in 2025 even though he's already the first Jaguars draft choice to ever post back-to-back double-digit-sack seasons. He's going to get paid in 2026.
J.P. Shadrick, jaguars.com Senior Reporter
- Defensive MVP and why: Josh Hines-Allen. He's lighter, he's motivated and he has a chance to get back to his form of two seasons ago – if the defense has the upgrade the unit is expecting.
Kainani Stevens, Jaguars Team Reporter
- Defensive MVP and why: Travon Walker. The former No. 1 pick has improved year after year and often contributes significantly to the less glamorous parts of the job like stopping the run. I think this will be a breakout season for Walker on the stat sheet and will in turn earn him a well-deserved contract extension.
