Fast, athletic and versatile, the 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) and 124 kg (275 lb) athlete is recognized for his very high potential. He was originally from Thomaston, Georgia, south of Atlanta. A member of a high-rotation squad with the Bulldogs, Walker still had six quarterback sacks last year.

The club sees that he is on the brink of a breakthrough and wants to surround him well. This has already been demonstrated by hiring receivers Evan Engram, Christian Kirk and Zay Jones as free agents.

Jacksonville also went to the first draft last year, and selected quarterback Trevor Lawrence. This is the fourth time a club has been the first to pick two consecutive years.

General manager Trent Baalke has been leaning on Walker for months. He said new coach Doug Pederson fully supports the selection.

In 2nd place, the Detroit Lions remained in their corner of the country with defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, a former Wolverine.

Hutchinson finished 2nd on the Heisman vote in 2021. He set a record at the University of Michigan by amassing 14 quarterback sacks.

Next, the Houston Texans drafted defensive end Derek Stingley from LSU, who last season was plagued by injuries.

Selected fourth by the New York Jets, Ahmad Gardner was one of the architects of the Bearcats ’breakthrough at the national level.

In three years in the NCAA, Gardner has not consented to a touchdown on a player he covers.

I’m the best cornerback available Gardner said last week.

In fifth place, the New York Giants chose defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (Oregon), who is considered very explosive – especially since he is six feet five and 258 pounds.

He also has a share of injuries, though.

For the first time since 1991, there is no offensive player in the top five picks of an NFL Draft.