Expert thinks Georgia's Jalon Walker could go even earlier than lofty 2025 NFL Draft projections
If you’ve been looking at the numerous NFL Mock Drafts out there, then you’ve probably seen Carolina as a popular projected landing spot for Georgia EDGE Jalon Walker. Todd McShay, formerly of ESPN, doesn’t believe that the North Carolina native will be there when the Panthers pick at No. 8.
“He’s very much considered one of the top six players in this class and, unlike (Ashton) Jeanty and Tyler Warren, he plays a premium position,” McShay wrote earlier this week. “I will be very surprised if Walker is available at no. 8 for the Carolina Panthers, which is the spot most people have been eyeing for him. I think he can go as high as nos. 4, 6, or 7.”
Walker exits Georgia after three seasons and one National Championship. He was a role player as Georgia charged toward its second national title in as many seasons in 2022. Walker grabbed a bigger role in 2023 and before becoming a main cog in the defense for 2024.
Originally recruited to Georgia as an inside linebacker, Walker became a hybrid player early on. He had nine total tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack as a freshman. Those numbers grew to 20 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and five sacks as a sophomore.
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As a junior, Walker flourished. He piled up 60 total tackles while playing EDGE and off-ball linebacker. He led the Bulldogs with 10.5 tackles for loss and tallied 6.5 sacks. He ranked fourth on the team in total tackles and tied for the team lead in sacks. He also had seven quarterback hurries and a couple of pass breakups.
Walker was a top-flight prospect coming out of the Tar Heel State in the 2022 class. He was the nation’s No. 53 overall prospect per the On3 Industry Rankings, a weighted averaged of all four websites that publish recruiting rankings. He was the No. 2 player in North Carolina.
