“I’ll say this, the vision for him is so much clearer in Year 2,” Ulbrich said. “He’s going to make huge strides this year in every way — from a pass rush perspective, a pure end perspective. But then also we’re going to start to also utilize his versatility off the ball and all the stuff he can do.”
Walker became a star at Georgia in part because of his ability to play all over the Bulldogs’ defense. It was not uncommon to see him as an off-ball linebacker on one snap and rushing the passer on the next.
“I’m doing whatever they want me to do,” Walker said after he drafted. “Of course, you know, I played outside backer. I played inside backer. I played nickel. I played them all. But you know, whatever they need me to do, I will contribute to the biggest level they want me to be.”
The multi-faceted nature of Walker’s game could benefit the Falcons next season, especially with linebacker Kaden Elliss no longer on the roster. Elliss, who signed with the New Orleans Saints as a free agent, was one of just two players in the NFL last season to have at least 100 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and an interception.
Elliss’s versatility as an off-ball linebacker and pass rusher was beneficial for Atlanta’s defense, and Walker could potentially fill a similar type of role in his second year, allowing Ulbrich to create matchup advantages for his unit.