5 takeaways from Jaguars No. 1 NFL Draft pick Travon Walker's first day of rookie minicamp

Travon Walker had already enjoyed a great week, especially since he signed a fully guaranteed four-year, $37.4 million contract on Thursday.

But Friday was Walker's first opportunity to hit the field as the Jacksonville Jaguars' No. 1 overall pick in last month's draft. He looked every bit like he belonged at the head of the class during the first day of the team's rookie minicamp.

His size, athleticism and sheer strength stood out, along with his pleasant demeanor.

Every time a trainer provided him with water, he thanked them. Walker was among 42 players, including all seven draft picks and 18 undrafted free agents, who participated in the three-day camp at TIAA Bank Field that will conclude on Sunday.

"I felt great to be back on the football field, couldn't ask for nothing else," Walker said. "For me, it really felt great because I'm not too big on media, not too big on being in front of the camera. But now I get to actually do what I love to do and put my hands on somebody, hit somebody, play football."

Games worth watching: Breaking down the Jaguars' top 5 home and away matchups on 2022 schedule

Connecting in town: Jaguars cornerback Shaq Griffin connects with Jacksonville's Eastside by hosting cookout

Roster moves: Jaguars release former UCF kicker Matthew Wright

Playing outside linebacker

Walker worked exclusively at outside linebacker during Friday's workout. Outside linebackers coach Bill Shuey personally put Walker through most individual drills.

Each time Shuey instructed Walker specific instructions regarding proper use of his hands to get off blocks and stepping off the right foot before dropping back in coverage.

Walker was receptive and only had to be told once before he perfected what Shuey wanted to see.

"Obviously, today's day one, so let's see what he learned from the classroom and then let's make that judgment tomorrow and then let's make another judgment on Sunday," Jaguars coach Doug Pederson said. "Listen, this is still the offseason, and the roster's not set or anything like that, so [we] just want to see gradual improvement every day whether it's in his drill work or in a team setting."

Physically gifted

What stands out about Walker is his wingspan — his arms are 35 1/2 inches long and his hands are huge.

Walker's physical gifts were noticeable during team drills, especially his wingspan. He quickly got around undrafted tackle Nick Ford a few times by shielding him off by extending his long arms.

At 6-foot-5, 270 pounds, Walker looks imposing, but it would not be noticeable if he were to add about 15 pounds because of his build.

Walker's best play of the day

Walker quickly dropped back in coverage during a play, and when it appeared quarterback E.J. Perry was about to throw a check-down pass to one of the running backs, Walker quickly came up from about eight yards away in what seemed like took him just a second.

Because Walker came up so quickly with his closing speed, Perry forced a downfield pass instead to a receiver.

"It felt good to drop back in coverage. I did it at Georgia, so I'm kind of used to it," Walker said. "But now, I'm working on it a lot more getting into 7 on 7, so I'll get a lot more comfortable with dropping instead of just dropping every now and then."

All business approach on practice field

Walker struck the blocking pads with force and moved around effortlessly throughout the drills. He still has plenty to learn playing outside linebacker, especially when it comes to leveraging and learning his various responsibilities that evolve with the defensive alignments, like rushing in on the inside shoulder of the tight end.

At Georgia, Walker played on the interior line and at linebacker. But the Jaguars believe Walker can excel quicker if he concentrates for now on playing only one position.

"I think Travon is a mature individual," Pederson said. "He's young, but he'll be well-coached up, and that's our job to do that."

Prepared for rookie minicamp by returning to Georgia

After the April 28 draft, Walker said he returned to the University of Georgia to work out with former teammates Jordan Davis and Devonte Wyatt.

Davis, a defensive tackle, was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 13th overall pick.

Wyatt, a defensive tackle, was drafted No. 28th pick in the first round by the Green Bay Packers.

The Bulldogs, the 2021 national champions, had an NFL-record 15 players drafted through the seven rounds.

"It was definitely a great experience getting to see a lot of the guys at least one more time," Walker said. "Just that brotherhood that we had at the University of Georgia, we all bond, we all communicate with each other like, 'Hey, let’s go work out. Let’s work today,' just having those guys that’ll push you.

"Like I didn’t really have to work out just because I wasn’t doing anything at the time, but just having those guys around made it a lot easier to go out there in the heat and have some fun, work on ball.”

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Travon Walker has first day of Jaguars rookie minicamp: 5 takeaways