The Jacksonville Jaguars picked Georgia edge rusher Travon Walker with the first overall choice in the 2018 NFL Draft, believing that the defensive stalwart can partner with quarterback Trevor Lawrence to bring the organisation back into the national spotlight.
Walker, who started 15 games last season and had 37 tackles and six sacks, was the greatest player on Georgia’s dominant defensive line, which led the Bulldogs to a national title in the process. In Walker, the club has selected its second No. 1 overall selection in as many seasons, as it looks to stabilise under its second head coach in as many seasons.
In the midst of a contentious season in which the club limped to a 3-14 record, owner Shad Khan sacked Urban Meyer as head coach of the team. To give stability and leadership to Lawrence, the organisation went to Doug Pederson, who previously guided the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl victory. As part of his backing for Lawrence, general manager Trent Baalke spent more than $267 million in free agency, including resetting the wide receiver market by signing Christian Kirk to an unexpectedly rich deal.
Walker overtook Michigan edge rusher Aidtchinson as the betting favourite to be picked first overall earlier this week, and he is now the betting favourite to be selected first overall.
