Former Georgia Bulldogs star Jalon Walker already turning heads at the next level with the Atlanta Falcons

Former Georgia Bulldogs standout linebacker Jalon Walker has only been in the NFL for a few months, but he’s already making waves.

According to ESPN’s Marc Raimondi, players and coaches within the Atlanta Falcons organization have been raving about how smoothly Walker has adjusted to the pro level,  and they believe his future is bright. 

"Folks can't stop raving about Walker, from his physical abilities to his football acumen," Raimondi wrote in his latest rookie update. "The former Georgia standout has made a seemingly seamless transition so far, about 43 miles northeast of where he attended college. Linebacker Kaden Elliss has come away impressed by Walker's explosiveness in getting off blocks. Safety Jessie Bates III has helped take Walker under his wing. Coach Raheem Morris has already tabbed him as a potential future team leader."

The Falcons drafted Walker with the 15th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft back in April. He made history as the first Georgia player Atlanta has ever selected in Round 1 of the draft. 

Walker makes the jump to the NFL after playing in 43 games, including 11 starts, and recording 12.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss over three seasons with the Bulldogs.

He wrapped up his collegiate career with a breakout campaign as a full-time starter in 2024, tallying 6.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss. His outstanding efforts earned him the Butkus Award, which honors the nation’s best linebacker.

Considering Walker’s impressive leadership and overall college career at Georgia, it’s no shock that he’s adapted to the NFL so quickly.

"The human, the character, the person, the player, the all-in mentality," Falcons head coach Raheem Morris gushed. "He has those captain-like traits, and when you first meet him, you get that feel, you get that vibe from him, and he'll be one of those guys."