Before Georgia won the national title, UGA defensive end Travon Walker was considered a first-round NFL draft pick. Recently, however, Walker has received a lot of buzz before the scouting combine and is stepping onto the NFL draft boards at multiple outlets.
NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah even has the 6-foot-5, 275-pound junior who is No. 5 overall in his most recent simulation. In addition to Jeremiah, there are other fictional drafts that see Walker go early – although I haven’t seen one as high as #5.
Comments from some league guys on my high ranking of #Georgia DL Travon Walker (#6 overall in my top 100):
“You’re going to sound really smart on that call.”
“Whoa! You like it better than us!
¯_(ツ)_/¯
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) February 19, 2022
Walker tied for second on the team in sacks last season with six and finished with 37 total tackles.
A former five-star from Upson-Lee High School in Thomaston, Georgia, Walker boasts an athleticism that has garnered plenty of interest as we get closer to the combine.
This touchdown-saving play in the national title shows why we’re so excited to see Walker’s performance at the combine.
Travon Walker is about to put NUMBERS to the combine. pic.twitter.com/gdxw1WM7BK
— Lorenz (@ScoutingLenz) February 19, 2022
Here are excerpts from a few different simulation projects, showing where these analysts predict Walker will land.
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com: Walker moves to No. 5 Giants
Brett Davis – USA TODAY Sports
Via Jeremiah:
Walker is a unique talent due to his height, athleticism and versatility. The Giants need more playmakers on defense.
Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: Walker moves to 9th overall with Broncos
Mark J. Rebilas – USA TODAY Sports
Via Trapasso:
Walker is bound to be picked early due to his athleticism at around 275 pounds. The Broncos must maintain the strength of their defensive front.
ESPN’s Todd McShay: Walker moves to 16th overall for Eagles
Mark J. Rebilas – USA TODAY Sports
Via Mc Shay:
An NFL team has never taken college teammates with back-to-back picks, but the Eagles’ pass rush was excruciating and Walker is incredibly disruptive. Philadelphia’s 29 sacks were 31st in the NFL last season, Derek Barnett is a free agent, and Cox Fletcher and Brandon Graham are both over 30 years old. Also, Graham is coming back from an Achilles injury. Walker, on the other hand, is a power-based rusher who just keeps getting better. It’s time to fill the pass-rush cupboard a little.
Joe Broback, Pro Football Network: Walker to Eagles at No. 19
(Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Via Broback:
Travon Walker is still raw as a player, but his traits are too tempting to pass up. Philadelphia already has two strong defensemen with their previous picks, so now they can take a chance on someone who needs time to develop. For now, Walker will rely on his natural abilities, which we’ve seen terrifying.
Austin Gayle, Pro Football Focus: Walker to Patriots at No. 21
Griffin Zetterberg – USA TODAY Sports
Via gayle:
At 6-foot-5 and 275 pounds, Walker is a draft defensive lineman with an absurd size-speed combination but little polish in his passing repertoire. That’s not to say he can’t make a positive impact as a Year 1 starter, though. He should hit the ground running like a powerful rusher with inside-outside versatility.
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