Travon Walker of the University of Georgia was taken first overall in the NFL draft on Thursday in Las Vegas, as the Jacksonville Jaguars attempt to develop a championship-caliber defence under new head coach Doug Pederson.

With the first pick‼️#NFLDraft | #GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/CWr2INC5ua

— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) April 29, 2022

Walker, 21, is the first defensive player to be selected with the first overall pick since the Cleveland Browns selected Myles Garrett in 2017.

After finishing last season with a disastrous 3-14 record at the bottom of the AFC South, the Jaguars were granted first choice of the best of US college talent and were again awarded first choice of the cream of US collegiate talent.

Quarterbacks have traditionally dominated the No. 1 pick in the draught, but the Jaguars, who already have a generational talent in Lawrence, decided to bolster their defence with Walker’s selection.

Last season, the imposing defensive end played a vital role in the Georgia Bulldogs’ National College Championship victory, recording a sack in each of his team’s postseason games.

Walker, who measures 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighs 272 pounds, dazzled at the NFL scouting combine, running the 40-yard sprint in 4.51 seconds and displaying dexterity and agility belying his stature.

Aidan Hutchinson of the University of Michigan was selected as the second overall choice in the draught by the Detroit Lions.

Meanwhile, the Houston Texans selected cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. from Louisiana State University with the third overall pick.

For the latest Sports News Follow BOL News on Google News. Read more on Latest Sports News on oldsite.bolnews.com