When Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jalon Walker was selected 15th overall by the Atlanta Falcons, fans were excited because of the impact he can make off the bat. Walker was everywhere on defense for the Georgia Bulldogs, totaling 89 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and 12.5 sacks as an edge rusher/linebacker hybrid. Many experts believe he can have a similar role for an Atlanta Falcons defense that is in desperate need for edge rushers and linebackers.
The Falcons had the second-fewest sacks in the NFL last season and have not had an individual player record over 10 sacks since 2016. The Falcons hope that Walker can break this streak.
ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit has high hopes for Jalon Walker. “I think he will be the best defensive player in this draft when he gets a chance to play,” Herbstreit said after Walker was selected in the draft.
Walker played in front of Herbstreit and ESPN’s “College GameDay” three times in 2024 (regular season vs. Alabama and Texas and SEC Championship vs. Texas). In two games against Texas, Walker earned a combined 10 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, and 4.0 sacks. As a result, Herbstreit has confidence that Atlanta could get a lot of production out of Walker as a rookie.
This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Kirk Herbstreit believes Georgia star is best defender in NFL draft
When Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jalon Walker was selected 15th overall by the Atlanta Falcons, fans were excited because of the impact he can make off the bat. Walker was everywhere on defense for the Georgia Bulldogs, totaling 89 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and 12.5 sacks as an edge rusher/linebacker hybrid. Many experts believe he can have a similar role for an Atlanta Falcons defense that is in desperate need for edge rushers and linebackers.
The Falcons had the second-fewest sacks in the NFL last season and have not had an individual player record over 10 sacks since 2016. The Falcons hope that Walker can break this streak.
ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit has high hopes for Jalon Walker. “I think he will be the best defensive player in this draft when he gets a chance to play,” Herbstreit said after Walker was selected in the draft.
Walker played in front of Herbstreit and ESPN’s “College GameDay” three times in 2024 (regular season vs. Alabama and Texas and SEC Championship vs. Texas). In two games against Texas, Walker earned a combined 10 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, and 4.0 sacks. As a result, Herbstreit has confidence that Atlanta could get a lot of production out of Walker as a rookie.
This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Kirk Herbstreit believes Georgia star is best defender in NFL draft
