The Jacksonville Jaguars have the first overall selection in the annual rookie draft for the second straight year.
Last season, they went offense by selecting quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
This year, mock drafts predict that they will draft a defensive player.
Building that side of the ball makes sense after the Jaguars fortified their offense through free agency.
They’ve surrounded Lawrence with targets like Zay Jones, Christian Kirk, and Evan Engram.
Jacksonville also signed Brandon Scherff to provide more protection for their play-caller.
The Jaguars did bring in defensive players like Arden Key, Darious Williams, Foyesade Oluokun, and Folorunso Fatukasi.
Despite those additions, they still need a pass rusher to bring more pressure to opposing quarterbacks.
Last season, the Jaguars finished 27th in sacks with 32.
But while it’s imperative for them to add an edge rusher, the choice of their power players is creating a dilemma.
According to PFN, #Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke wants to draft DE Travon Walker, but team owner Shad Khan wants DE Aidan Hutchinson instead.
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 25, 2022
Pro Football Network reports that Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke would like to get Georgia’s Travon Walker.
Meanwhile, team owner Shad Khan prefers Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson.
It’s the classic case of getting the best player available versus the one with a better upside.
Comparing Walker And Hutchinson
Walker dazzled scouts during this year’s combine when he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.51 seconds.
That time is often achieved by wide receivers and defensive backs.
Walker did well in his final season with the Bulldogs, finishing with 19 tackles and six sacks.
But the speed he manifested in Indianapolis has Baalke thinking that he could be the anchor of their pass rush.
On the other hand, Hutchinson collected accolades with the Wolverines, winning the Ted Hendricks Award and the Nagurski-Woodson Defensive Player of the Year.
He finished his final season in Michigan with 36 tackles, 14 sacks, and two forced fumbles.
Those numbers may make Khan think that he’s ready to dominate in the pros.
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