- NFL Draft betting odds show Travon Walker is likely the first overall pick.
- Aidan Hutchinson has the second shortest odds to be the top pick, but much more value when betting on Ikem Ekwonu.
LAS VEGAS – The NFL Draft is today, but unlike most years there is still some confusion on who the Jacksonville Jaguars will select first overall.
2022 NFL Draft – Number 1 Overall Pick
- Travon Walker -450
- Aidan Hutchinson +350
- Ikem Ekwonu +800
- Evan Neal +2000
- Kayvon Thibodeaux +5000
- Charles Cross +10000
- Derek Stingley +10000
- Kenny Pickett +10000
- Kyle Hamilton +10000
- Malik Willis +10000
- Desmond Ridder +20000
- Jordan Davis +20000
Travon Walker Distancing Himself From The Pack
NFL Draft bettors have seen some incredible odds swings for the 2022 NFL Draft.
| Player | Date As Favorite | Best Odds As Favorite | Current Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spencer Rattler | 29-Sep | 225 | N/A |
| Kayvon Thibodeaux | 26-Oct | -110 | 5000 |
| Evan Neal | 24-Feb | 138 | 2000 |
| Aidan Hutchinson | 10-Mar | -243 | 350 |
| Travon Walker | 28-Apr | -450 | -450 |
Walker’s rise can be attributed to two main factors: his incredible NFL Combine performance and the Jacksonville Jaguar’s general manager Trent Baalke’s pass rusher preferences.
Travon Walker’s combine performance was legendary. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.51 seconds after weighing in at 272 pounds. His 4.51 second 40 time was the fastest by a prospect over 270 pounds since at least 1999.
It was not just Walker’s 40 time that was elite. Compared to other defensive linemen, Travon Walker was in the 65th percentile (percentile in the parentheses) or higher in his height (78th), weight (65th), Arm Length (95th), 40-Yard Dash (98th), Vert (78th), Broad Jump (88th), 3-Cone (94th), and the Short Shuttle (85th).
The Jaguars General Manager Trent Baalke has also shown a preference for edge rushers with similar body types back when he worked for the San Francisco 49ers, specifically Aldon Smith.
Baalke drafted Aldon Smith 7th overall in the 2011 draft when he was with the 49ers. Smith’s combine performance was similar to Walker’s, except Walker was slightly better at everything.
| Category | Travon Walker | Aldon Smith |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6’5″ | 6’4″ |
| Weight | 272 lbs | 263 lbs |
| Arm Length | 35 1/2″ | 35 3/8″ |
| Hand Size | 10 3/4″ | 9 3/4″ |
| 40 Yard Dash | 4.51 | 4.82 |
| Vertical Jump | 35.5″ | 34″ |
| Broad Jump | 123″ | 118″ |
| 3 Cone Drill | 6.89 | 7.19 |
| 20 Yd Shuttle | 4.32 | 4.5 |
Keep in mind that Aldon Smith was an elite NFL player, and more importantly for NFL Draft bettors, he was the 7th overall pick in the first round. He was by no means a slouch, the statistics just show what a special athlete Travon Walker is.
Best Bet Outside Of Walker On Ikem To Be First Pick
Online sportsbooks have given Aidan Hutchinson the second-best odds to be the first overall pick, but the best bet on anyone other than Travon Walker to be the first pick is Ikem Ekwonu.
The Jaguars did just sign their left tackle Cam Robinson to a three-year contract extension, but outside reports are suggesting that the Jaguar’s Head Coach Doug Pederson wants to continue solidifying the offensive line and take Ekwonu.
With a lack of support surrounding Aidan Hutchinson and Ekwonu’s +800 betting odds, the best underdog bet to be the first overall pick in the NFL Draft is on Ikem Ekwonu.
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Brett has been writing professionally since November of 2021. He had such a passion for sports he even decided to major in Sport Management from Florida State University! When not writing about sports, Brett loves playing DFS, bowling, and golfing.