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2021 NFL MOCK DRAFT - WALT'S | CHARLIE'S ROUND: 1

Travon Walker Getting Top of the First-Round Consideration

Updated March 17, 2022
By Charlie Campbell. Follow Charlie on Twitter @draftcampbell.

Georgia defensive end Travon Walker has been on a steady climb since the start of the 2021 season. Walker created a buzz in the scouting community as a breakout defender for the future National Champions, and area scouts were raving about him throughout the season. Since declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft, Walker has continued his ascension, putting together a tremendous 2022 NFL Scouting Combine that displayed his great skill set on the field, and he impressed teams in the combine interviews. As a result, franchises picking at the very top of the first round are considering Walker, and he has a shot at being one of the first players selected in the 2022 NFL Draft.

The 6-foot-5, 275-pound Walker is seen as having the flexibility to play defensive end or tackle and being able to execute in any system. Awhile ago, these were the thoughts on Walker from an area scout, "He is one of my favorites. He's completely untapped, and he can play anywhere on the defensive line in any scheme. He's my favorite of this defensive line class. He's already a very good player, relentless, and still has huge upside. Walker can drop 10 pounds and be Cam Jordan, or gain 15 pounds and play DeForest Buckner."

Thus, you can see that this scout has Walker rated above Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, the consensus top defensive lineman and No. 1 prospect. And the team with the No. 1 pick is also high on Walker. According to sources with Jacksonville, the team really likes Walker and feels he can play anywhere he wants on the defensive line. Currently, it sounds like the Jaguars are leaning toward Hutchinson because he has shown more production, played more snaps, and is less of a projection based on potential.

At the Senior Bowl, WalterFootball.com was first to report that Doug Pederson was going to be the head coach of the Jaguars, and at the combine, WalterFootball.com reported that the Jaguars wanted left tackle Cam Robinson back next season. Shortly later, the Jaguars placed the franchise tag on Robinson.

Jacksonville really likes Walker and Hutchinson, and the franchise has not added a defensive end in free agency although it has bolstered the interior of their defensive line and added more offensive line talent. The Jaguars also love the upside and skill set of LSU cornerback Derek Stingley, but Stingley was underwhelming in his combine interview and the team bolstered its secondary in free agency. Hence, the finalists for the franchise's first-round pick could end up being Hutchinson and Walker.

There still is a long ways to go before Jacksonville makes its final decision as there are pro days remaining, pre-draft visits, and April draft meetings, including with the coaching staff. Right now, however, WalterFootball.com sources believe Walker has become a serious contender to go first overall to the Jaguars or second overall with the Lions. Hutchinson is the favorite, but Walker is in the conversation.