Jaguars take ‘freak’ Walker with top pick of NFL draft as defense rules early on

In an NFL draft focused early on stoppers, it was the goers – wide receivers – who stole the spotlight Thursday night.

Not simply prospects, either.

Yes, the first five selections came on the defensive side of the ball, including edge rushers Travon Walker of national champion Georgia to Jacksonville and Aidan Hutchinson of Michigan to Detroit at Nos 1 and 2. It was the first time in 31 years that no player on offense went in the opening five picks.

So, naturally, the next five choices were on offense. And those kept coming: right through No 12.

And the theme throughout the first 20 picks was to get guys who could catch the ball – including Philadelphia acquiring standout AJ Brown from the Titans, and Arizona getting veteran Marquise Brown from the Ravens.

In all, six of the opening 18 selections were wideouts, starting with Southern California’s Drake London at No 8 to Atlanta. He’ll team with tight end Kyle Pitts, the Falcons’ first-rounder in 2021, on a rebuilding attack.

“I mean it’s just two big dudes out there on the perimeter,” London said. “... Obviously, I’ve got to earn my stripes to get out there on the field with him.”

No quarterbacks went until 20th, when Pitt’s Kenny Pickett found out he can simply switch to another side of the practice facility as he joins the Steelers and perhaps become Ben Roethlisberger’s successor.

But this is a draft rich with linemen and defensive backs as well as wideouts.

The 6ft 5in, 275lb Walker, who has some raw elements to his game but an extremely high ceiling for his skills, joins former Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence as the second straight top overall selection by the Jaguars.

“I’m definitely prepared for it, being the No 1 pick,” Walker said. “I have to say there’s a