2022 NFL Draft Rumors: Travon Walker 'Hardly' a 'Slam-Dunk Pick' Among Jaguars Execs

Georgia defensive end Travon Walker has emerged as the favorite to become the first overall pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2022 NFL draft Thursday night, but it's reportedly not the consensus within the franchise's front office.

Peter Schrager of NFL Network reported on the apparent disagreement among Jags executives.

"But hours out from the start of Round 1, it sounds like this was hardly a consensus slam-dunk pick (that's inside the building, apparently, too)," Schrager wrote.

Walker will make for an interesting case study a decade down the road if Jacksonville does make him the No. 1 overall pick.

The 21-year-old Georgia native was a combine standout, highlighted by a 4.51-second 40-yard dash, possesses an ideal frame (6'5'', 272 lbs) and showcased terrific versatility within a Bulldogs defensive scheme wherein he was asked to do pretty much everything along the line.

Yet his production doesn't jump off the page. He recorded 61 total tackles, 9.5 sacks and one forced fumble in 29 appearances across three years at UGA.

Those numbers don't scream game-changing defender. So the debate inside the Jags war room likely pits Walker's impressive raw skill set against a stat line that shows he recorded about one sack every three games in college.

The defensive end told Bill Bender of the Sporting News he did what was necessary to help Georgia win games, which didn't include much focus on edge-rushing until his final college season, when he posted six sacks.

"I had to lock in on myself and what was best for my team," Walker said. "I did everything in my power to transition my body for the better of the game to help me transition into the role of a starter in college football."

Ultimately, it's not a major surprise the Jaguars' decision is going down to the wire. This year's class doesn't feature an obvious No. 1 choice; every prospect has substantial work to do before reaching a Pro Bowl level.

Going with Walker is a bet that he will become a dominant force on the edge within two or three years, which is possible but far from guaranteed.

Aidan Hutchinson, who tallied 14 sacks in his final season at Michigan, represents the safer choice thanks to his breakout year, but his numbers were also modest until 2021.

The Jaguars' uncertain direction at No. 1 helps sets the stage for what could be a wild opening round when the draft gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday night.