FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Jalon Walker’s name wasn’t expected to still be on the board when the Falcons came on the clock at pick No. 15 in April’s NFL draft, but they are sure happy it was.
Viewed by most in the draft community as a top-10 pick, Walker offers tantalizing athletic versatility and standout leadership qualities. Despite starting for only one season at the University of Georgia, Walker’s potential both on and off the field is clear and already grabbing the attention of Atlanta’s coaching staff.
“He knows how to practice at a very high level,” Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said. “He wants to get better and better every single day, and he seems like he does. He’s an instant coach. … You just tell him something, and he does it the first time every single time. He goes out and is able to get that stuff done. So, that stuff has been absolutely amazing and awesome with him.”
Walker played a hybrid role for Georgia in 2024, finishing as the team leader in sacks (6.5), quarterback pressures (34), pass rush win rate (17.2%) and tackles for a loss (11). A self-described chess piece, Walker was all over the field for the Bulldogs and emerged as their premier defender.
He’ll start his NFL career in a simpler role. An improved pass rush would mean more for Atlanta’s defense than arguably any other improvement in a single facet of the game, and that is how they plan to use Walker in Year 1.
The Falcons have invested in their defense this offseason, especially through the draft. Including Walker, Atlanta used the first four of its five draft picks on defenders. It traded back into the first round to select James Pearce Jr., who the team believes can also be an impact pass rusher.
“Both very young pass rushers, but I think part of the stuff that we will do schematically will lessen that burden,” defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said. “And because of that, I think they’ll have maybe a little bit more success early on than they would have otherwise.”
All four of the Falcons’ rookie defenders — Walker, Pearce, Xavier Watts and Billy Bowman Jr. — could carve out a noteworthy role in Year 1. In that reality, Walker’s leadership traits should continue to pay dividends. As he earns the opportunity for a larger voice within the entire locker room, there’s an avenue for him to concentrate on galvanizing his fellow first-years.