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.
A former five-star recruit in the class of 2019, Walker was the No. 4 defensive lineman in the nation per the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average. The former Georgia star played his high school football at Upson-Lee in Thomaston, Georgia, where he doubled as a basketball star. Walker was the fourth-ranked recruit coming out of Georgia in his class.
What NFL draft analysts are saying about Travon Walker
Furthermore, Lance Zierlein of NFL.com broke down what Travon Walker can bring to the NFL in his recent scout of the defensive end’s draft profile. The analyst believes the former Georgia star is powerful at the point of attack and possesses excellent intelligence, but will need scheme help at the next level.
“Walker is a big, rugged run-stopper with the playing style and body type to play 3-4 end,” wrote Zierlein. “He consistently outreaches blockers and takes control at the point of attack, and sets firm edges despite playing with limited knee-bend. He plays with violent hands, sluggish feet and all-day aggressiveness. He has quick-shed ability to make plays near his gaps but lacks lateral quickness to play with desired range.
“He won’t be considered a skilled or threatening rusher from any alignment but can plow his way forward to find occasional success. He’s effective against the run but is likely to be a one-way player who comes off the field on passing downs.”