Jaguars GM Trent Baalke holds true to form on Day 1 of the 2022 NFL Draft

Baalke getting his way suggests a lot about the Jaguars’ inner hierarchy.

Traits don’t always win out over overproduction. Football fans in Jacksonville may remember that some people actually thought Emmitt Smith was a little slow, and at only 5’9″ and under 220 pounds, he didn’t necessarily wow people with his traits. But, he had production in bunches, and we all know how that turned out.

On top of that, the Jaguars’ recent experiences with cornerback C.J. Henderson and defensive end K’Lavon Chaisson harshly demonstrates how choosing traits overproduction can blow up in your face.

Still, Trent Baalke’s personal experience probably tells him that leaning toward traits is the right move. His history with Aldon Smith, Arik Armstead, and DeForest Buckner surely reinforces that notion in his mind.

Despite reports of head coach Doug Pederson and owner Shad Khan each wanting different guys, fans will probably never know with certainty who wanted whom inside the building. We also don’t really know which way Pederson leans on this issue, historically, since he wasn’t making the final decisions in Philadelphia.

Was there consensus inside the front offices? The public statements will assuredly confirm that everyone was on the same page. Behind the scenes… who knows? Fans should hope there was a consensus. But, as a general manager who clearly appreciates traits over production, fans can safely conclude that Baalke was fully on board with choosing Travon Walker over Aidan Hutchinson. Fans had better hope he’s right.