Georgia Bulldogs defensive end Travon Walker has risen on NFL draft boards throughout the predraft process. Walker has shown impressive mobility, versatility and athleticism.
Walker dominated the NFL combine and has arguably the best physical traits of any defensive end in the draft. The 6-foot-5, 275-pound defensive end was not often asked to directly rush the passer during his Georgia career. Many times, Walker’s focus would be on stopping the run or containing the opposing quarterback.
Walker recorded 6 sacks and 37 total tackles in 2021, so how can he be in contention for the top pick of the 2022 NFL draft?
Walker’s physical traits and effort are off the charts. His statistics are a bit underwhelming for a top pick, but keep in mind Walker was a part of a loaded defense that did not pad counting stats because it got off the field. Walker is strong against the run and is a true three-down player. He was a part of the No. 1 run defense in 2019 and 2020 and the No. 2 run defense in 2021.
Additionally, the team with the No. 1 overall pick, the Jacksonville Jaguars, has a general manager, Trent Baalke, with a history of picking pass rushers with a specific set of physical traits.
NFL Network’s Peter Schrager went into depth on Baalke’s history of selecting pass rushers with incredible physical traits such as Aldon Smith, Arik Armstead and Deforest Buckner.
"Everyone's inking Aidan Hutchinson to the @Jaguars. Around the NFL, there's talk about GM Trent Baalke, and his draft history with SF. Year after year, the 49ers took players with incredible physical traits over the top collegiate performers. That's Travon Walker." — @PSchrags pic.twitter.com/WbxFkH6W9B
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) April 11, 2022
Arik Armstead recorded 4 sacks in his three-season career, but his outstanding physical traits and potential was enough for Baalke and the San Francisco 49ers to select him with the No. 17 pick of the 2015 NFL draft.
Deforest Buckner recorded 7.5 sacks in the first three seasons of his college football career. Buckner improved statistically his senior year. Travon Walker is NFL ready and is not returning for his senior year. Baalke and the 49ers picked Buckner No. 7 overall in the 2016 NFL draft.
Lastly, Aldon Smith recorded 3 sacks in his final season at Missouri. San Francisco and Baalke picked Smith with the No. 7 pick in the 2011 NFL draft.
This trio of high-potential pass rushers is a clear example of why Travon Walker going to general manager Baalke and the Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 1 is a serious possibility.
