Contrary to previous NFL Drafts, the first round in 2022 seemed to have tilted toward defensive players. Even more surprising, emerging sports agencies challenged the status quo domination of behemoth groups that we are used to seeing at the very top of the draft.
The night started off with a bang when the Jacksonville Jaguars used the first overall pick to select Georgia Defensive End Travon Walker. Walker, represented by player agent Vincent Taylor of Elite Loyalty Sports, is the group’s first number one overall pick.
Furthermore, the thirty-two athletes chosen were represented by fifteen different agencies. It was not until the eleventh overall pick that one of the blue-blood agencies made its first splash during the draft when Chris Olave (RSR) was drafted by the New Orleans Saints. Sixteen players drafted were offensive players with six wide receivers and only one quarterback (Kenny Pickett – 21).
Athletes First had the most picks with five, followed by CAA with four, and then Klutch Sports Group and William Morris Endeavor, which each ended up with three players drafted.
Other agents that deserve mention related to the first round include Mike McCartney of Vayner Sports, Bus Cook of BC Sports, and Damarius Bilbo of Klutch Sports Group.
A player/agent recap of the first round may be accessed below.