The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Georgia defensive lineman Travon Walker first overall, which many feel was a gamble over taking players like Aidan Hutchinson and Ikem Ekwonu. The reason for that is because it was a little easier to see what a team was getting out of the latter two options, while it is more about potential with Walker.
Walker didn’t put up the best numbers for a prospect taken first overall. He racked up 33 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, six sacks, two pass deflections, and a fumble recovery. However, the Bulldogs’ defense was loaded with multiple first-round picks.
Jacksonville general manager Trent Baalke has a history of selecting players with a higher ceiling rather than one with a solid floor. For example, he drafted defensive end Aldon Smith with the San Francisco 49ers and passed on several other clearer options in terms of translating like Robert Quinn and Ryan Kerrigan. His answers during Jacksonville’s pre-draft media availability Friday made it seem like he preferred Walker over Hutchinson.
