The Atlanta Falcons entered training camp with a new defense and a young linebacker corp ready to learn the ins and outs of Ryan Nielsen's new scheme.
Linebacker Kaden Ellis signed with Atlanta as a free agent this offseason but is expected to catch on quickly after spending time with Nielsen from 2019-22 with the New Orleans Saints. Second-year linebacker Troy Andersen is also expected to make an early impact after starting in the final four games of last season.
Fans should not forget about former fourth-round pick Mykal Walker though.
In three seasons with Atlanta, Walker has seen three different defensive coordinators and has struggled to find his niche with the Falcons. However, Walker has a good feeling about Nielsen's new defense and his role in it entering a contract year.
Walker has spent time at both outside and inside linebacker and is reportedly "getting a chance" to play outside again, according to ESPN's Michael Rothstein.
"[Playing outside] lets you run around and make plays," Walker recently told Rothstein. "The original scheme I was drafted for when I came to Atlanta was a 4-3, so I was always covered up and I was able to run sideline-to-sideline and make plays with athleticism and I think we're bringing that back this year. A little bit more matching."
Walker continued to praise the new scheme while also giving credit to former Atlanta defensive coordinator Dean Pees.
"I don't take nothing away from Dean [Pees]," Walker said. "It was a great scheme, everything like that. I just think this scheme fits us a little bit more."
Walker is a fan of the "attacking, aggressive nature" Nielsen is looking to instill in Atlanta's defense and will be a player to keep an eye on this season as he takes on a versatile role. Last season Walker totaled 107 tackles, four for a loss, one sack, and two interceptions in 12 starts.
More must-reads: