The 2022 NFL draft is two weeks away, and there still isn’t clarity on what the Jacksonville Jaguars will do with the first overall pick. They could draft Michigan defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson or Georgia’s Travon Walker. The former Bulldog’s name has picked up steam over the last month. Jaguars Wire wanted to put out a poll to gauge how the fanbase would feel about that selection.
NFL Network’s Peter Schrager reported that other franchises around the league think Jacksonville will take Walker based on general manager Trent Baalke’s history with the San Francisco 49ers. With San Francisco, Baalke opted to draft the player with the best physical traits and potential over the player with the best statistics in college.
Walker fits that bill because he stands at 6-foot-5, 272 pounds, and was clocked at a 4.51 when he ran the 40-yard dash and a 6.89 in the three-cone drill, which was better than every receiver aside from Calvin Austin (6.65) and Kevin Austin (6.71).
His stats aren’t eye-popping compared to Hutchinson’s. Walker only racked up 37 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, and two pass breakups. Hutchinson registered 62 combined tackles, 14 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.
Because of Baalke’s draft history with the 49ers, I’m inclined to believe that the Jaguars will eventually select Walker. But Hutchinson is the safer option.
Now it’s the fans’ turn. What would you think about the Jags taking Walker with pick No. 1?
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