What Will The Atlanta Falcons Get In Jalon Walker?
What will the Falcons get with the team's 15th overall pick in this year's NFL Draft in Jalon Walker?
Walker is not the biggest edge rusher in the draft by any means at 6-foot-1 and 243 pounds. But, he is considered a hybrid player who can play ball. Walker received many accolades while playing for the Georgia Bulldogs, including winning the Butkus Award (nation's top linebacker).
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He would also win the Third-Team Associated Press All-American and Second-Team All-SEC honors. Walker played in all 14 games during 2024 and tied for the team lead with 6.5 sacks. He also contributed to punt coverage during the season.
Newly drafted Atlanta Falcons edge rusher Jalon Walker speaks to the media during the NFL Scouting Combine. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Walker has split his snap count between edge rusher and linebacker, which the Falcons will intend to use him similarly. Walker is a menace when around the ball and a sure tackler. What he lacks in size is made up for by his athleticism. Below is a list of strengths and weaknesses as highlighted by NFL.com/Prospects.
Strengths
Hybrid talent who takes snaps as an off-ball linebacker and on the edge.
Drifts downhill to meet blocks and constrict the run lane.
Good length to stack blocks or punch and pass on the move.
Twitched up with an elite closing burst to the football.
Rush attack is highly athletic and very natural.
Varies step cadence and entry angles, creating passivity from tackles.
Slide-and-slap move inside creates sudden pocket heat.
Strong hips drive through redirection blocks as a blitzer.
Weaknesses
Below-average size as a full-time edge defender.
Improved off the ball but still developing his instincts.
Needs to prevent his play-side shoulder from being covered.
Average bend limits his sink and flatten potential at the top.
Gets mauled by size when his rush crowds too close to tackle.
Related: Falcons Defensive Coordinator Jeff Ulbrich Is Not Looking To Gimmick On Defense
Related: Atlanta Falcons Trade Back Into The First Round To Select Another Dynamic Edge Rusher
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