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ESPN analyst explains why Jalon Walker was ‘best pick’ of Round 1
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Georgia’s Jalon Walker didn’t have to wait too long to hear his name called on Thursday night.
The talented linebacker was picked No. 15 overall by the Atlanta Falcons just before the midway point of the first round. Walker was a potential top-10 pick, so it was a tremendous value for a Falcons franchise that will be looking to have an improved pass rush next season.
ESPN’s Matt Miller explained in a new story on Friday morning why Walker was the best pick of Day 1 in his opinion:
Jalon Walker to the Falcons at No. 15 was the best pick of the night based on value. I had him at No. 5 in my rankings. He also checks off the team’s biggest need with Atlanta having just 31 sacks last season and a desperate lack of speed defensively. Walker’s ability to play off-ball linebacker, spy quarterbacks and just straight-up rush off the edge made him a weekly force for Georgia. Now he’ll get to stay in state and keep doing it.
Walker had his best season for Georgia in 2024. He amassed 60 total tackles to go with 11 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks — all career-highs. He also deflected 2 passes and recovered 2 fumbles.
Walker was 1 of 3 Georgia first-round picks on Thursday night along with Mykel Williams and Malaki Starks. It marked the 3rd time the last 4 years that Georgia has produced at least 3 first-round picks in a single draft. UGA also accomplished that feat in 2023 and 2022.
Even with 3 first-round picks, former Georgia players could still be busy on Day 2. Jared Wilson and Tate Ratledge are both potential second-round picks.
The second round of the draft is set to begin at 7 p.m. ET.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
