LAS VEGAS | It wouldn’t be a real draft in Las Vegas if the bookies didn’t give the first pick held by the Jacksonville Jaguars more flavor.
• Read also: Vegas-worthy
Year after year, the first choice holds little mystery. This year isn’t nearly as predictable, though Georgia defensive end Travon Walker has emerged in recent hours as the favorite to become the Jaguars’ hot spot, according to bookmakers.
We shouldn’t jump to conclusions, but Aidan Hutchinson, who played the same position for the University of Michigan, was the favorite thus far.
Walker is conspicuous by his absence from the draft, the one who was obviously part of the NFL invitees but declined. Therefore, he will not step onto the platform when his name is called.
febrile
Hutchinson is present with his family and is doing well regardless of the outcome. If the Jaguars take him, he will have the unique honor of being top of his class.
However, if they let him go, there’s a good chance the Lions will pounce on him.
Hutchinson, a Michigan native, would therefore stay home in Detroit.
“Jacksonville would be great and so would Detroit. I would be happy anywhere. I take everything said with tweezers. Ever since high school, I’ve gotten used to blocking out all outside noise. »
“I’m glad it’s over, I’m back to my normal routine. I will keep a low profile and I will be a footballer again, ”said the author of these lines yesterday, during a period of media availability with hopes.
a great discussion
Should the Jaguars, who have often missed their mark despite enviable draft picks, take the cautious approach with Hutchinson, a productive player but not necessarily the most spectacular?
Or should they shoot for the moon with Walker, whose potential seems limitless but has been so unproductive?
“If I were them, I’d calmly park in the driveway and be happy to go home with Hutchinson.” I do understand that after a first choice, I am aware of the attraction of aller voir ailleurs pour frapper un coup de circuit », as imagined by the analyst specializing in repêchage of NFL Network, Daniel Jeremiah, when Le Journal lui a posé la Question.
More than just an analyst, Jeremiah worked as a scout for the Ravens organization from 2003 to 2006, then with the Browns and Eagles until 2012.
“When I was in Baltimore, our philosophy was not to go for the home run, but to go for the hit. Often he turned doubles, triples and circuits. The worst thing is bumping into butter with a first choice,” he continued.
One difference
For his part, Joel Klatt, NCAA football analyst at Fox Sports, believes Walker is in danger of reaching a level that justifies such an investment.
“His ceiling is extremely high. With such a range, it could have been used in another way. That is the difference. Georgia never built their defense around Walker, while Michigan built everything around Hutchinson, especially last year,” she said.
Shortly after 8 pm, the Jaguars will end the suspense, but not necessarily the debate.
THE HOPE PRESENT IN LAS VEGAS
- matt barnyardquarterback (Ole Miss)
- Malik Willisquarterback (Liberty)
- drake londonreceiver (USC)
- Garrett Wilsonreceiver (Ohio State)
- Chris Olavereceiver (Ohio State)
- James Williamsreceiver (Alabama)
- Evan NealBlocker (Alabama)
- Ikem Ekwonublocker (NC State)
- charles crossblocker (Mississippi State)
- sion johnsonguard (Boston College)
- Aidan Hutchinsonrim (Michigan)
- Kayvon Thibodeauxedge (Oregon)
- Jermaine Johnson IIedge (state of Florida)
- George Karlaftisrim (Purdue)
- jordan davistackle (Georgia)
- dean nakobelinebacker (Georgia)
- devin lloydlinebacker (Utah)
- garden saucecornerback (Cincinnati)
- kyler gordoncornerback (Washington)
- kyle hamiltonMarauder (Notre Dame)