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Jalon Walker | LB | Georgia

Height: 6’2″
Weight: 245 lbs
Draft Projection: Mid 1st
Notable Accomplishment: 2024 Butkus Award Winner

Pros: Walker put together quite the season in 2024 both in coverage and as a blitzer, and he has emerged as one of the most versatile linebackers in this draft class. Despite lacking ideal length to play the edge, Walker consistently displayed an ability to shed blocks and make secure tackles as a run defender, regardless of where he was aligned. His first-step quickness out of his stance as a pass rusher allowed him to beat tackles around the edge and get to the quarterback. Walker possesses great athleticism, but he does not overrun many plays. Some of the most athletic linebackers get themselves into trouble when they diagnose the play accurately but simply overrun the play. That does not appear to be an issue for Walker, who closes quickly but does not get overly eager and blow his assignment because of it. For anyone to play both EDGE rusher and middle linebacker, it requires serious instincts, and Walker is certainly no exception. He is a proven leader whose intuition is respected and submitted to by his teammates on defense.

Cons: Figuring out where Walker belongs in the NFL is rather difficult. His physical profile points more toward a middle linebacker, but his best production has taken place when used more heavily as a pass rusher on the edge. At the end of the day, I do not believe Walker has enough length to be effective setting the edge in the NFL, nor do I believe he possess enough strength to win as a pass rusher with power. He will be limited to winning purely with speed and bend as an NFL pass rusher, and I do not think that is sustainable. At middle linebacker, however, I would like to see more production. He has been solid in coverage for the most part, but coming away with a few splash plays along the way would definitely build his credibility.

Overview: There are many different ways a team can use Walker’s talents to their advantage, but the team that drafts him needs to have an idea already in mind as to how they plan on utilizing him. He is a sure tackler who has a great feel for getting after the quarterback, but his best long-term outcome from the draft may be going to a team that will invest in his cover skills and help him develop as a middle linebacker. If he tries to be a tweener in the NFL and play some of both, it is much less likely he reaches his full potential.

NFL Comparison: Quay Walker