The Jacksonville Jaguars made Georgia’s Travon Walker the first defensive lineman taken first overall since the Cleveland Browns took Texas A&M’s Myles Garrett in 2017. The Jaguars took Walker over fellow defensive lineman in Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson and North Carolina State offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu.
Many fans and media members have scrutinized Jacksonville’s selection of Walker since NFL commissioner Roger Goddell officially announced the pick. Most of Walker’s critics point to his lack of production. Walker only recorded 9.5 sacks in three seasons with the Bulldogs. However, his supporters point to his athleticism and his ridiculous testing numbers at the NFL scouting combine.
Jacksonville general manager Trent Baalke and head coach Doug Pederson said after the pick that they liked Walker because of how versatile he is. The Bulldogs moved him all around their defense the past three seasons. Baalke said they will only have Walker focus on one position, which will allow him to be more productive in the NFL than in college.
Here are three things to know about the Jaguars’ newest No. 1 pick.