Jalon Walker officially signs massive rookie NFL deal with Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons drafted Walker with the 15th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, becoming the first Georgia player Atlanta has ever selected in Round 1. 

He makes the leap 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, tallying 6.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss in 2024. 

His efforts earned him the Butkus Award, which honors the nation’s best linebacker.

Jalon Walker Scouting Report

Linebacker, Georgia

Hometown: Salisbury, NC

21 years old (02/24/2004)

A to Z Sports Expected Draft Position: 12

Pre-Draft Round Projection: 1

"Jalon Walker is as intriguing as they come. A hybrid player that has shown proficiency at off-ball linebacker and aligned along the EDGE. Wherever he lands, the fit and utilization of Walker will have to be perfect. At 6-1 and 243 pounds, his frame and athleticism suggest an inside linebacker. His actual play style suggests something far more interesting. A blur off the edge with a developed pass rush plan, he's the kind of player that makes offensive tackles start their pass set at a 90-degree angle just so they have enough time to not get run by. But offensive tackles also hate power, and at his size, Walker will never have elite power, even if he's very strong for his frame. Inside LB, he's still a work in progress, with more time on task needed. So Walker could end up being the versatile chess piece that coordinators dream of, or we could have another Isaiah Simmons situation on our hands. - Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports NFL Draft analyst

Career Projection: Boom Bust Starter Potential