2022 NFL Draft: Georgia defense sets impressive first round record
The Georgia defense was the best in college football last year. It certainly looks like the NFL took notice.
Five Bulldogs defenders were taken in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft — a new record. Florida State and Miami held the previous record with four in 2006 and 2004, respectively.
Travon Walker was the first Georgia player off the board. Well, he was the first overall player off the board, going to the Jacksonville Jaguars as this year’s No. 1 pick. Jordan Davis went No. 13 overall to the Philadelphia Eagles, who traded up to get him. The Green Bay Packers took the duo of Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt with their two picks, and the Minnesota Vikings closed out the opening round by drafting safety Lewis Cine with the No. 32 overall selection.
Georgia held opposing teams to just 10.2 points per game — the best in the FBS last season by more than four points. The Bulldogs also ranked second in total defense with 267.9 yards allowed per game, and still have some prospects left on the board. Most notably, Nakobe Dean is still available, and he’ll likely hear his name called Friday when the second and third rounds get underway in Las Vegas.
Jacksonville Jaguars select Georgia defensive end Travon Walker in 2022 NFL Draft
The Jacksonville Jaguars are banking on Georgia product Travon Walker to come in and transform their pass rush. After playing a huge role throughout his time in Athens, the former versatile Bulldogs defensive end will be expected to do the same in his NFL career. That’s why the Jaguars took him off the board in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday night, picking him No. 1 overall.
Last season, Walker broke out in a big way for the Bulldogs. The star pass rusher accumulated 37 total tackles and 6.0 sacks in a talented defense, helping lead Georgia to their first national championship in over 40 years.
Most importantly to the Jags, Walker has the potential to become one of the top defensive ends in the entire NFL. He showed flashes of dominance at Georgia, playing all over the defense in helping the Bulldogs accomplish their ultimate goal.
While the 6-foot-5 defensive end didn’t have the statistics other pass rushers amassed, his untapped athletic potential had franchises salivating. Throughout the NFL Draft process, Walker has steadily climbed up boards, elevating into one of the top prospects in the entire class.