It was no surprise to former Georgia Bulldogs defensive end Travon Walker when the Jacksonville Jaguars called to inform him he would be the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NFL draft. Walker was not projected to be picked this high entering his junior season, but he steadily improved, won a national championship and put together an impressive series of predraft workouts.
Jacksonville utilized the 2022 NFL draft and free agency to significantly improve its front seven. The Jaguars, who allowed the third-most rushing touchdowns in the league last season, should have a much better defense. Travon Walker is a solid run defender who has the traits to succeed as a pass rusher in the NFL.
Walker, who attended Upson-Lee High School and is from Thomaston, Georgia, elected to spend the draft with his family instead of going to Las Vegas.
Here’s how it sounded as Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Peterson, owner Shad Khan and general manager Trent Baalke told Travon Walker he would be the No. 1 pick in the draft:
One phone call can change your life.
@surface | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/VESG08srYH— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) April 29, 2022
The draft is a life-changing event for many young men. Travon Walker is a high-character, high-effort player who will do his best for the Jaguars. Walker was a joy to watch during his time at Georgia.
It has been a great start to 2022 for Walker. He won a national championship and now is the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft.