Georgia Bulldogs standout defensive end Travon Walker is ranked as one of the top pass rushers in the 2022 NFL draft. Walker has impressive speed and strength.
He has positioned himself to be one of the top defensive ends drafted thanks to his incredible 2021 season. In fact, highly respected NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah projected Walker as a top-five selection.
Walker has freaky athleticism, but he also displayed an extremely high motor in the national championship game. He chased down an Alabama wide receiver to save a potential touchdown:
Tremendous effort by DL Travon Walker #44. If he doesn’t make this play, it might be a TD and Alabama has the lead going into halftime.
275-pounders shouldn’t be able to move like #44. 1st round talent, 1st round effort. pic.twitter.com/R8mRX7xJNs
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) January 11, 2022
Walker had another memorable play in the College Football Playoff against Michigan. Walker is a reason Michigan looked so physically overmatched against Georgia.
TRAVON WALKER. FOLKS pic.twitter.com/qqoEmYoxeu
— Trey 7 (@Trey2Trigger) January 1, 2022
Walker has the potential to dominate on both passing and rushing downs in the NFL. His athleticism is elite, and he has good bend around the edge.
Who is Travon Walker’s NFL player comparison?
Walker has been compared to Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Chris Wormley. Wormley recorded 7 sacks in 2021 and is a key piece on Pittsburgh’s defense. He benefits from all of the attention TJ Watt receives, but he produced at a high level.
Wormley was a third-round pick in 2017 coming out of Michigan.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein described Travon Walker’s strengths and weaknesses ahead of the 2022 NFL draft:
Walker is a big, rugged run-stopper with the playing style and body type to play 3-4 end. 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.