You would be hard-pressed to find a player who helped their stock at the combine more than Travon Walker. Walker is a polarizing player who played in a wide variety of roles for the Georgia Bulldog’s defense including outside linebacker, defensive end, and defensive tackle. So where does a massive, uber-athletic defender fit in the NFL?
Position: 4-3 DE/3-4 OLB
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 272 lbs
Year: Junior
Strengths
- I can’t remember the last time we saw a 270+ pound defender that possessed the athleticism of Travon Walker. The former Georgia Bulldog has always been tagged as an athlete but we didn’t know just how athletic this guy was until the combine. Walker posted a 4.51 forty-yard dash time, a 35.5 inch vertical jump, and a 123 inch broad jump. This dude is truly a freak of nature.
- The versatility Walker brings to the table is un-paralleled. He can play defensive end or defensive tackle in a 4-3 scheme or outside linebacker or defensive end in a 3-4 scheme. I’ve even seen Georgia move Travon inside and deploy him in coverage. Whatever you ask of him, he can do. This kind of versatility is highly coveted in today’s NFL.
- Travon Walker is extremely powerful and sets a strong edge in the run game. He has heavy hands and produces great pop from his lower body. His bull rush is a force to be reckoned with and acts as the foundation for all of his pass rush moves.
Weaknesses
- One gripe I have with Travon’s game is his lack of polish as a pass rusher. He has a very limited repertoire of hand moves and counters. If his initial rush is stopped, he struggles to tie moves together and becomes a non-factor.
- There are a few instances where Walker misses reads in the run game or is late to his gap but generally his athleticism made up for his late reads. A little bit more polish on his football IQ will be necessary for his jump to the NFL but that’s just nit-picking.
Summary
Travon Walker is yet another extremely talented defender this 2021 Georgia team has produced. With Walker you’re getting an extremely versatile pass rusher who possesses freakish athletcism at a freakish size (6’5″ 272 lbs). He is truly a physical anamoly. You’re going to have to develop Walker and wait two or three years to get production but his ceiling makes the wait well worth it. I wouldn’t be surprised if Walker is a top ten pass rusher in the league by the time his rookie contract is up Whoever takes him just needs to be willing to be patient with his development.
Team Fits: Texans, Jets, Giants, Falcons, Seahawks, Ravens
Draft Projection: Top ten pick
Player Comparison: Rashan Gary
