Atlanta entered Week 15 at 4–9 and out of playoff contention, but the Falcons delivered a highlight moment by stunning the Buccaneers 29–28. The defense sealed the win with a Baker Mayfield interception, sparked by pressure from Jalon Walker. Walker has made an impact for Atlanta thus far, and he may even be voted to the Pro Bowl. Here’s why he may be considered at the end of the season.
Jalon Walker’s Impact This Season
Walker was selected 15th overall out of the University of Georgia by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2025 NFL Draft, after having a great season at Georgia, winning the Butkus Award and being named First Team All-American with 6.5 sacks, 60 total tackles, 10.5 for loss, two passes defended, and a forced fumble.
Falcons’ edge rusher Jalon Walker has had a productive season up to this point, recording 32 total tackles, 21 of which were solo, two forced fumbles, and 5.5 sacks. His best game was against the New England Patriots in Week 9, where they were defeated 24-23. In that contest, Walker had five total tackles, two of which were for loss, two sacks, a pass deflection, and a forced fumble.
Walker is very talented and possesses speed off the edge, which enables him to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. His swiftness also allows him to win one-on-one matchups against opposing offensive linemen.
Walker’s Pro Bowl Case Is Building
Although Walker missed two games this season due to injury, he leads NFL rookies in forced fumbles with two, and he’s second in sacks among rookies with 5.5. Ironically enough, edge rusher and teammate James Pearce Jr. is actually number one in the NFL in sacks for rookies with eight. Both players have created a tandem that will work wonders for the Falcons now and in the future.
It was reported by Will McFadden of the official team site that Falcons right tackle Elijah Wilkinson spoke highly of Walker, saying, “He’s having so much success, and he’s just a rookie. Imagine when he really figures it out and starts to get really, really good at it. I think that’s kind of the next thing to look at, like, ‘Man, we’re already seeing this, what’s next?’”
Walker is stacked up against some excellent players in the NFL, such as Cleveland Browns Myles Garrett, who has 21.5 sacks, and New York Giants defensive end Brian Burns, who has 13.0 sacks. The NFC has a lot of talent, but Walker is carving out a lane for himself, given that it’s only his first year in the NFL.