Jalon Walker, a standout linebacker and edge rusher from Georgia, has emerged as a strong 2025 NFL Draft prospect. His versatility and athleticism could propel him into the top 15 among edge rushers, though concerns about his size and positional fit remain.
Born in Conway, South Carolina, Walker starred at Salisbury High School in North Carolina, earning the 2021 North Carolina Gatorade Football Player of the Year honor with 79 tackles and eight sacks. A five-star recruit, he played in the 2022 Under Armour All-American Game before committing to Georgia, where he continued to develop into an elite defender.
Jalon Walker’s Versatility Makes Him a Draft-Day Wild Card
Walker, a dynamic linebacker and edge rusher from Georgia, is one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. His ability to impact the game at multiple positions has made him a sought-after talent, with some analysts projecting him as high as No. 5 overall.
However, questions about his fit at the next level persist due to his size—standing 6’1″ and weighing 243 pounds.
Walker’s collegiate career was defined by his adaptability. As a freshman in 2022, he played in all 15 games, contributing nine tackles and a sack while helping Georgia secure a national championship over TCU.
Could Jalon Walker get drafted as high as the top 5?👀
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Throughout 2023, Jackson expanded his defensive performance by achieving 20 tackles and five sacks during his 14 appearances.
The 2024 season was when Parsons achieved his best results with 60 tackles and 6.5 sacks which brought him first-team All-American recognition along with the Butkus Award as the top linebacker in the country.
ESPN’s Matt Miller highlighted Walker as the “ideal pick” for the Panthers, citing Carolina’s defensive struggles after allowing 31.4 points per game last season. He believes Walker’s hybrid ability will allow him to excel as an edge rusher.
The 49ers are another team linked to Walker as they look to replace Dre Greenlaw and add pass-rushing depth opposite Nick Bosa. With the departures of key defenders in free agency, Walker could be a crucial addition to San Francisco’s defense.
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Walker’s skill set enables him to play several positions, including off-ball linebacker and stand-up edge rusher. Because of his speed combined with aggressive hand play and strong tackles, Walker becomes a devastating challenge for ball carriers.
His position in the NFL for permanent roster placement remains unclear but any team can use his versatile abilities to create meaningful game-winning situations.
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