The Mystery at No. 1?

04/26/2022 The Mystery at No. 1?

By: Jeff Yoder

Georgia DE Travon Walker Now Betting Favorite for No. 1 Pick in Thursday’s NFL Draft

Thursday’s NFL Draft is wide open at the top, and that’s not normal. It’s one of the first times in recent history that the projected No. 1 pick has flip-flopped throughout the draft process. The last four No. 1 overall picks have been surefire quarterbacks who were known long before draft night. That changes Thursday. Michigan DE Aidan Hutchinson was expected to be the top pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars for the last few months, but betting odds now put Georgia DE Travon Walker at the top. The flip comes just three days before the selection show.

 

History of Top Picks

Since 2000, the last 21 No. 1 overall picks have been quarterbacks (15), defensive ends (4) or offensive tackles (2). That trend will certainly continue with the top-three picks on Thursday expected to be Walker (DE), Hutchinson (DE) and Evan Neal (OT).

 

Walker vs. Hutchinson

Hutchinson held the consensus No. 1 overall projection since the scouting combine. Walker wasn’t even the best player on Georgia’s defense last season, but his combine numbers vaulted him into the conversation. So what changed? Both players are eerily similar, but Jaguars GM Trent Baalke’s recent comments seem to favor Walker, even though he said the team’s choice still undecided.

 

Who will go No. 1 on Thursday? Bring on the most mysterious NFL Draft in recent memory.

 

Additional Storylines

B/R: NFL Draft 2022 Rumors: Jags Prefer Travon Walker Over Aidan Hutchinson

CBS Sports: Six Surprising Scenarios That Could Completely Change the 1st Round

 

Photo: Todd Kirkland / Getty Images