Georgia DL Travon Walker now favorite to be No. 1 overall pick

On Thursday, the 2022 NFL draft will begin. As many as 14 Georgia Bulldogs could hear their name called over the weekend, but one Dawg is tabbed by oddsmakers to be the No. 1 overall pick.

Travon Walker has overtaken Heisman runner-up Aidan Hutchinson for the best odds (-160) at being taken No. 1, per Tipico Sportsbook.

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Walker’s draft stock has taken off maybe more than any other prospect this offseason. While the junior did play more than any other UGA defensive lineman in 2021 (56% of snaps), Walker’s production is nowhere near that of guys like Hutchinson and Oregon EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux. 

What makes the Thomaston, Ga., native so intriguing to NFL teams is his freaky athleticism. Walker had one of the best combine performances we’ve ever seen at 6-foot-5, 275 pounds.

National champion DL Travon Walker just ran a 4.6…

The #Bulldogs are owning this NFL combine. pic.twitter.com/sdz9bBfmbV

— Matt DeBary (@MattDeBary) March 5, 2022

NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay explained why Walker is at least a Top-2 pick. 

“The (Travon Walker’s) Combine was ridiculous… If you’re drafting him No. 1 if you’re Jacksonville or if you’re No. 2 if you’re Detroit, you’re betting on the traits. And you’re betting on what you see on tape and what can be if you utilize him a little differently.

This guy just has elite traits that you just can’t find in any other player in this Draft.”

[pickup_prop id=”23344″]

Matthew Stafford is the last Georgia Bulldog to be selected No. 1 overall in 2008.

Draft coverage will begin this Thursday, April 29 at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC, ESPN and NFL Network.