With the first overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars selected Georgia Bulldogs defensive end Travon Walker. What will Walker’s rookie contract look like, and where does he project into the Jaguars’ current depth chart?
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Travon Walker drafted first overall by Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars became the second team in six years to have the first overall selection in consecutive seasons. After selecting Trevor Lawrence last year, they focused on their defense in 2022 with the addition of Walker.
Walker becomes the first Georgia player to be selected first overall since Matthew Stafford in 2009. No Georgia defensive lineman had previously been selected higher than sixth overall (Jonathan Sullivan in 2003 and Richard Seymour in 2001).
Walker’s projected rookie contract
Because Walker was the first overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, this is what his projected rookie contract should look like. Contract numbers are from Over the Cap.
- Total Value: $43.3 million
- Signing Bonus: $28.7 million
- 2022 Base Salary: $705,000
- 2022 Cap Number: $7.9 million
Travon Walker’s strengths and areas to improve
Here is a snapshot of what the Jaguars will be getting with the selection of Travon Walker. For further information, check out Walker’s full scouting report.
Strengths
- Plays with a tremendous amount of agility as well as athleticism, makes plays in a variety of ways, and gives outstanding effort
- Shows excellent discipline and awareness and stays with plays rather than just firing up the field to rush the quarterback
- Bends his knees, plays with leverage, and immediately gets his hands up
Areas for improvement
- Possesses a tall, thin frame and gets out-positioned from the action
- Must develop more pass-rushing moves
- Lacks a strong base and struggles against bigger tackles
How does Walker project in the Jaguars’ depth chart?
The Jaguars add another piece to their already loaded pass rush with the selection of Walker. He will join a rotation that includes fellow former first-round picks Josh Allen and K’Lavon Chaisson. The likelihood is that Walker will slow in behind those two on the Jaguars’ depth chart initially.
However, Walker’s history of having played as a defensive tackle with Georgia offers the Jaguars some versatility. Walker could also line up along the front three when the Jaguars use their base 3-4 formation. That would give the Jaguars the potential to have Walker, Allen, and Chaisson all on the field at the same time.
When do the Jaguars pick next in the 2022 NFL Draft?
As of the time they drafted Walker, the Jaguars have these remaining picks in the 2022 NFL Draft.
- Round 2 (Pick 33)
- Round 3 (Pick 65)
- Round 3 (Pick 70 from Panthers)
- Round 4 (Pick 106)
- Round 5 (Pick 157 from Vikings)
- Round 6 (Pick 180)
- Round 6 (Pick 188 from Seahawks)
- Round 6 (Pick 197 from Eagles)
- Round 6 (Pick 198 from Steelers)
- Round 7 (Pick 222)
- Round 7 (Pick 235 from Ravens)
For the full results and upcoming draft order, check out our pick-by-pick tracker for the 2022 NFL Draft.
