Duval Dawgs: Jordan Davis and Travon Walker Reunite in Jacksonville

Peaches & Herb’s “Reunited” could provide the soundtrack to Jordan Davis’ arrival in Jacksonville.

A sudden trade sent the defensive tackle from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Jacksonville Jaguars, reuniting him with defensive end Travon Walker, his teammate on the Georgia Bulldogs 2021 national championship team. 

“When you get traded, it kind of takes you by surprise, but I think once I touched down in Jacksonville and got connected with my boy (Travon Walker), it was all good and all smiles.. Definitely excited to be here,” Davis said at his Wednesday news conference in a video posted by  Action Sports Jax.

Davis spoke about reuniting with Walker. “It’s awesome. We talk almost every week, every other week. Just to be back with my boy again, I’m excited to get to work,” Davis said. 

Davis and Walker played together at Georgia from 2019 to 2021 before both were selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft. Jacksonville selected Walker first overall, and Philadelphia selected Davis with the 13th overall pick.

Now, Jacksonville is bringing them back together to bolster the Jaguars’ defense for the second half of the season and playoff push. 

At 6 feet 6 inches and 336 pounds, Davis is expected to strengthen Jacksonville’s run defense and apply interior pressure. After nine games with the Eagles, Davis has recorded 23 run stops this season, second-best among NFL defensive tackles, according to NFL.com. 

Jacksonville paid a hefty price for Davis, sending Philadelphia a 2027 first-round pick and a 2029 second-round pick. The Jaguars (6-2) are looking for more than a sentimental reunion. 

In their final season together at Georgia, Davis and Walker combined for eight sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss, according to ESPN. 

While the reunion offers familiarity, Davis still has to learn a new defense. He said Jacksonville’s defensive structure resembles Philadelphia’s, though there are “nuances.” 

“It’s learning the language; it’s learning the little nuances of the play,” Davis said, according to Action Sports Jax. “There’s a lot more fronts they play here than they did in Philly, but with a little bit of effort, grinding… I’ll pick it up soon.”

As of Wednesday, Davis did not know whether he would make his Jaguars debut on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. His priority was learning enough to contribute immediately. 

“I’m here to do what the coaches need me to do,” Davis said. “Still figuring out a plan, still figuring out the playbook.” 

Davis still has a new defense to learn. But his description of reconnecting with Walker, “all good and all smiles,” suggests the soundtrack fits. 

“Reunited, and it feels so good.”