Where will Georgia Bulldogs star Jalon Walker land in the 2025 NFL Draft?
The outstanding linebacker has been projected to go anywhere from the top 10 to the middle of the first round by many draft enthusiasts. With a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 73.1, Walker ranks No. 30 on PFF’s draft big board and ranks second amongst linebackers behind Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell. As far as pash rush skills, he may be the first linebacker off the board.
At 6-foot-2, 245 pounds, Walker has great size for a linebacker. He also has the physicality, athleticism, and speed to be a devastating force off the edge, which will appeal to most teams looking for that OLB/DE hybrid type defender.
The 2024 Butkus Award winner, Walker record 6.5 sacks in his final season with the Bulldogs. With 38 solo tackles and 61 total tackles, this Georgia product proved to be an impact player all over the field.
Will that production translate to the NFL level?
2025 NFL Draft: Jalon Walker is a player who can set the tone on defense
NFL draft analysts Daniel Jeremiah has Jalon Walker ranked higher than PFF. In his latest top 50 NFL draft prospects rankings, Jeremiah as the Georgia linebacker as the No. 7 prospect in the draft due to that edge rush ability.
Jeremiah writes:
“As a pass rusher, he can win with pure speed, power and an explosive counter move. He’s also a weapon when used to spy the quarterback. He can mirror the QB’s movement before closing the space in a hurry. He dominated in the Bulldogs’ first meeting against Texas during the 2024 season. He’s a firm edge-setter against the run. When he’s stacked off the ball, he’s a touch late to key/diagnose, but he can attack and take on blocks or scrape over the top for tackles. He has outstanding change-of-direction quickness in space. Overall, Walker is a tone-setter on defense and UGA coaches rave about his makeup and leadership.”
3 interesting NFL fits for Jalon Walker
In a 2025 NFL Draft filled with outstanding edge rush talent, the fact that Jalon Walker has risen the draft board is impression. As Jeremiah stated in his assessment, Walker is a powerful defender with the “length and explosiveness” to be a tone-setter on defense. There are teams drafting in the range where Walker is projected to be drafted who are either looking to replace an impact player or find that player who can set the tone defensively and bring the heat on the quarterback.
Here are the 3 top fits for the outstanding Georgia Bulldogs defensive star.
San Francisco 49ers: There are two areas of need the 49ers can fill at once by selecting Walker. First, they can find that edge rusher to pair with Nick Bosa and they find an impact linebacker who can help replace the production of Dre Greenlaw in their linebacker group due to his versatility as a defender. With the No. 11 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, it would be surprising if the 49ers let Walker get past them.
Atlanta Falcons: When it comes to scheme versatility, Walker is as good as they come. That athleticism and edge skills makes him an ideal fit for a Falcons team looking for impact players who can set the tone defensively. The question is, will Walker make it to No. 15? If he does, there is no way he gets past the Falcons, which will be music to the ears of Bulldogs fans they will get to see Walker stay in the state of Georgia.
Carolina Panthers: Like the Falcons, the Panthers are another team looking to find impact players who can give their defense identity. They would get it with Walker who is not only a high-level producer, but a player who can set the tone and provide leadership with his ability and his intensity. At No. 8, the Panther will have a choice of quality defenders (if they go that direction), but Walker should be at the top of that list. Let’s just project that Walker will be playing in the NFC South in 2025. It’s just a matter of which team.