Three.
With every NFL Draft, the conversation starts as such: who is the number one pick? In most years, we usually have some sort of definitive answer. This year, we aren’t afforded that luxury. For most of this draft process, Aidan Hutchinson has been considered the number one pick. The former Michigan edge rusher had a huge season for the Wolverines, including monster games against both Ohio State and Iowa.
As we zero in on the NFL Draft, the rumor mill is now in full swing. Georgia defensive end Travon Walker is now the betting favorite to go number one overall, so what has changed? While this isn’t a list, it is a deep dive into what exactly Jacksonville is thinking in regards to the first choice.
Sources tell me the Jaguars have not made a concrete decision on who they want at number one overall. These sources even go as far as to state the team is “split” between four options, Ikem Ekwonu, Evan Neal, Aidan Hutchinson, and Travon Walker. The split comes between GM Trent Baalke and Jaguars owner Shad Khan, with Baalke reportedly wanting Walker and Khan reportedly wanting Hutchinson. Where exactly Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson and the rest of the coaching staff are in the equation is unknown.
It was reported last week that the Jaguars are indeed concerned about “public perception” of the franchise in response to what they do with the first pick. That also includes a trade, which sources tell me a trade out at one for Jacksonville is looking “unlikely”. The demand for quarterbacks has not been what Jacksonville have anticipated, and teams are more likely to sit back and let the draft play out a bit before making any potential moves. That leaves the Jaguars hung out to dry.
With Walker and Hutchinson, you are getting two very similar talents with two very similar ceilings. Both possess all of the traits you would want in a pass rusher, good bend, elite athleticism, quick first step, and explosion at the snap. Walker currently profiles as the more athletic by those in the scouting community, a take I personally do not agree with. What Walker does offer over Hutchinson is the position versatility teams crave. Walker can slot in either inside or outside at defensive line and be very effective at both spots given his size and athleticism. A scout told me Walker is “the most athletic defensive prospect I have ever scouted, and that is after Aaron Donald”.
Personally, the hype surrounding Walker doesn’t make sense to me. Yes, he has all of the tools that any great pass rusher contains and offers that position versatility. Yet I have seen these kinds of players before. I have seen a ton of Travon Walker’s before with some panning out and some not panning out.
What Jacksonville needs to do instead is protect the guy they took with the first overall pick last year, Trevor Lawrence. The Jags have already made efforts to shore up their offensive line this offseason, with Brandon Scherff coming over from Washington to play at left guard. While this is a good start, more is needed. Sources tell me the Jaguars have done extensive homework on Tyler Linderbaum in round 2. I do not believe Linderbaum will make it to Jacksonville at 33rd overall unless the Jaguars trade back into round 1. That now leaves Evan Neal and Ikem Ekwonu to be considered to further improve their offensive line.
Neal is an out-and-out tackle that will maul people given his size and strength. His long arms are used as anchors, and when he overpowers edge rushers at the line of scrimmage it is over. Ekwonu is not as polished in pass protection as Neal is, but he is one of the best run-blocking lineman out there. Ekwonu could shine at guard to start, and then push out to tackle once he hones his abilities in pass protection.
If the pick was up to me, Ekwonu would be the guy I would select. Ekwonu is my number one rated player in this draft, and I love the raw talent he brings to the table. All signs are pointing towards Jacksonville taking either Hutchinson or Walker in round 1, and will have to face the music from legions of people that will most definitely go after the Jaguars, regardless of selection.
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