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Jalon Walker makes Georgia history with first-round selection
By Mark Kern
Published:
Jalon Walker heard his name called midway through the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, as the Atlanta Falcons selected him with the 15th overall pick on Thursday night.
For Walker, he gets to stay in the same state where he starred in college during his days as a Georgia Bulldog. Being able to stay in the same state where a player spent his college career is rare, and that’s especially true for the Bulldogs. Walker is the first Georgia player to ever be drafted in the first or second round by the Falcons since 1966.
Walker gives the Falcons a much-needed boost in the pass-rushing department, as he has incredible speed with an outstanding burst. His 40-yard dash was 4.50, and he showed an ability to just get right by opposing tackles. Last season, he won the Butkus Award at Georgia, which is given to the best linebacker in the country.
He finished with 60 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and 2 pass breakups. The game where he showcased the potential that he truly has was when the Bulldogs went and knocked off Texas in Austin. He absolutely dominated the game, finishing with 8 tackles, 3 sacks, and a fumble recovery. The Longhorns had 1 of the best offensive lines in the country, led by Kelvin Banks Jr., who was drafted No. 9 by the New Orleans Saints on Thursday night.
There were some concerns for Walker entering the draft with his size, but his athleticism and positional versatility have Falcons fans excited to bring him on the team.
