Mason Graham or Jalon Walker for Jaguars? Todd McShay makes his pick
Mason Graham or Jalon Walker for Jaguars? Todd McShay makes his pick On 'The Mina Kimes Show featuring Lenny,' NFL draft analyst Todd McShay was asked to pick Mason Graham or Jalon Walker for the Jaguars at pick No. 5.
On the latest episode of 'The Mina Kimes Show featuring Lenny,' NFL draft analyst Todd McShay was presented with two options for the Jacksonville Jaguars at pick No. 5. He could select Mason Graham or Jalon Walker.
Without hesitation, McShay picked Walker.
"I've got physical guys up front," said McShay of the Jaguars' defensive line. "My run defense was really bad last year, but you know what was worse? My pass defense. Last in the league.
"I need another pass rusher on that defensive front. I can kick Travon Walker inside in certain situations. I've got guys that can two-gap and we can improve in that area, and I've got to be better versus the pass. I'm going to take Jalon Walker and utilize his versatility. He's such a dynamic, explosive athlete. For some reason, I just feel like that's the play if you want to take a significant step next year."
Along with Kimes and McShay mentioning Walker at pick No. 5 for the Jaguars, Adam Schefter did as well recently.
Walker played both off-ball linebacker and pass rusher in the Georgia defense. To maximize that versatility, NFL.com's Lance Zierlein wrote in his scouting report utilizing Walker as a linebacker on early downs and a blitzer or pass rusher during obvious passing situations.
Then, as McShay said, on those passing downs, that would then allow the Jaguars to move Travon Walker inside, with Jalon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen at defensive end.
Along with what Walker would add to the Jaguars' defense on the field, also mentioned in Zierlein's scouting report is that his leadership is "famous in the Georgia building," which is important to note, given that we've frequently heard GM James Gladstone discuss the importance of bringing in "intangibly rich" players.
In Anthony Campanile's defensive scheme, where versatility and the ability to adapt will be important elements, Walker's ability to play multiple roles could be quite valuable.
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