2025 NFL Draft: Atlanta Falcons take Georgia EDGE Jalon Walker No. 15 overall
Georgia continues to assert itself as the modern “Linebacker U.” Bulldog EDGE Jalon Walker was selected No. 15 overall by the Atlanta Falcons on Friday. He gives UGA 10 linebackers drafted since Kirby Smart became the head coach in 2016. Walker is the fourth Georgia linebacker to get taken in the first round in that same time period.
Walker, a North Carolina native, signed with the Bulldogs in the 2022 class. He was the No. 53 overall prospect and the No. 4 linebacker in the class per the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that includes all four websites that publish recruiting rankings. He was the No. 2 player in the Tar Heel State.
Originally recruited to play off-ball linebacker, Walker found his way onto the field as an EDGE during his freshman season. Georgia lost Nolan Smith to a torn pectoral just past midseason and Walker stepped in as a full-time reserve at the position, tallying nine total tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack.
Walker played more off-ball linebacker as a sophomore but still made a significant impact as a pass rusher. He racked up 20 total tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss while sacking the quarterback five times. Walker also forced a fumble.
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The 2024 season saw Walker blossom into a play-making chess piece for the Bulldogs. He made the most of his multi-faceted role and became Georgia’s third ever Butkus Award winner, all within the Smart era. In 14 games Walker amassed 60 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks. His best work came agains Texas where he piled up four of those sacks and five tackles for loss in two games.
“On the field (at practice), he’s not too fun to block,” Georgia All-American offensive lineman Tate Ratledge said per UGA’s John Frierson. “Off the field, Jalon is a tremendous personality. He’s a good kid and I’ve loved getting to know him. He’s always got a good attitude and he’s a great leader.”
