5 bold predictions for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2022 NFL Draft

The 2022 NFL Draft is less than a week away and the Jacksonville Jaguars, just like every other team, are putting the final touches on their big board ahead of the big day.

One of the big appeals of the draft is that nobody knows how it will turn out and what players the Jags will ultimately take. Will they go offense or defense with the first overall pick? Will they move up or down? You shouldn’t rule anything out and the best thing to do is to expect the unexpected. With that in mind, here are five bold predictions for Jacksonville.

1. The Jaguars will take Georgia DL Travon Walker with the 1st overall pick.

Georgia defensive lineman Travon Walker has been one of the biggest risers ahead of the draft and is a realistic choice to go first overall. Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke met with the media Friday and said that the team has narrowed down their options with the top pick to four. Walker is most likely among them and nobody will bat an eye if he’s the Jaguars’ choice on April 28th.

Baalke said the team’s brass worries about the board and sticks to it. Contrary to a recent report, he’s not overly concerned with outside perception, which means that Walker will be the pick if he’s the top-ranked prospect on their board.

Walker isn’t as polished as Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson but might have a higher ceiling. The former Bulldog didn’t get as much playing time as other pass rushers in the draft, and will more experience he could turn out to be a dominant player in the pros.

Hutchinson might be the safer pick and probably the Jaguars’ best option at number one but Walker will be the pick. Will it be risky? You bet but it could pay off big time, so Baalke shouldn’t be blamed for taking a gamble.