Atlanta Falcons Draft Versatile Linebacker Jalon Walker With Pick 15

The Atlanta Falcons bolster their defense by selecting Jalon Walker, a versatile edge rusher and linebacker. Walker was projected to be taken in the top ten by most mock drafts for their division rival, the Carolina Panthers, at pick eight. They took Tetairoa McMillan, the wide receiver out of Arizona. Now, Walker will get to play the Panthers twice a season for Atlanta and create havoc for their defense.

Atlanta Falcons Draft Edge Rusher Jalon Walker With Pick 15

The Atlanta Falcons get their edge/ linebacker of the future in Jalon Walker. The Georgia Bulldog had 12.5 career sacks in three seasons, as the junior star had 19 career tackles for loss. He provides athleticism, versatility, and an edge that they haven’t had for years, almost a decade. It will be curious to see how much off-ball he plays or if Walker is mostly a pass rusher off the edge.

Walker was best getting off the quarterback, but can cover as well with his twitchy nature at 6’1″ and 243 lbs. He can be a down-to-down linebacker and do his best work on passing downs. For the Falcons, they get a hybrid edge player for Raheem Morris. Walker becomes the first player from the University of Georgia that they have taken from that school in the first or second round since 1966, according to ESPN’s Field Yates.

Final Thoughts

This was a great selection, as the Falcons had a need at both linebacker and edge rusher. Walker will play opposite Arnold Ebiketie and veteran Leonard Floyd. He will also potentially rotate in the middle at linebacker, as Atlanta has Kaden Elliss and Divine Deablo starting. Troy Andersen is also in the mix, giving them speed at both positions. This should be a defensive-heavy draft for the Falcons, as you can’t go wrong with a player who can do a little of everything at multiple spots.