Jalon Walker

Jalon Walker, Georgia, OLB, 6'1", 243 lbs, Junior

Draft Profile

Frankly: Lots of possibilities for an uber athlete who is still learning. Walker could become a key to a defense that harnesses his ability to both pass rush and play off the ball. First rounder, possibly top 10. 

Overview

Jalon Walker’s blend of explosiveness and power makes him one of the most intriguing linebacker prospects in this draft class. His versatility as an edge rusher and off-ball linebacker evokes comparisons to Anthony Barr coming out of UCLA, showcasing his potential as a game-changing defensive weapon. Walker’s ability to disrupt offensive schemes is best illustrated in his dominant three-sack performance against Texas, where he tore through protection and created havoc in the backfield. A creative defensive coordinator will find ways to maximize his hybrid capabilities, allowing him to excel as a pass-rusher on third downs and develop into a complete linebacker. While his coverage skills are still developing, his athletic traits and processing speed suggest rapid improvement in this area. With two years in an NFL strength program and early deployment as a designated pass rusher, Walker has the potential to grow into a defensive cornerstone. His film against SEC competition proves he is ready to compete against NFL-caliber athletes, while his ceiling as a Pro Bowl linebacker makes him one of the most dynamic prospects in the draft.

Background

Walker’s football journey began in Salisbury, North Carolina, where he excelled as a five-star recruit at Salisbury High School, dominating both sides of the ball. Upon arriving at Georgia, Walker quickly established himself as a versatile defender, earning meaningful snaps during the Bulldogs’ national championship run as a freshman. His sophomore season saw him emerge as a specialized pass rusher, recording five sacks and steadily expanding his role on the defense. By 2024, Walker had fully blossomed, earning the Butkus Award and anchoring a ferocious Georgia defensive front. His versatility was on full display against Texas, where his three sacks earned SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors. Walker’s collegiate career culminated in a decorated senior season, including First-Team All-America recognition from multiple outlets. His growth from a specialized pass rusher to an every-down defender highlights his dedication to mastering linebacker play while retaining the explosiveness that made him a top recruit.

Scouting Report

Pros:

Walker’s pass-rush ability is elite, featuring a quick first step that allows him to explode off the edge and create immediate pressure. His bend and ankle flexion are exceptional for his size, enabling him to flatten around tackles while maintaining speed to the quarterback. Walker’s powerful hands and natural leverage make him adept at shedding blocks, particularly when working through traffic. His scheme versatility—excelling both as an edge rusher and off-ball linebacker—adds to his appeal, while his closing speed, verified by a 4.50 forty time, ensures he can make plays in space. Walker consistently impacts games, as evidenced by his team-leading pressure numbers, while his motor and physicality make him effective in run defense.

Cons:

Despite his strengths, Walker is still developing as an off-ball linebacker, occasionally hesitating in diagnosing run plays and flowing to the ball. His tendency to play too square against offensive linemen can limit his ability to disengage quickly. With only 11 collegiate starts, his lack of extensive starting experience may require patience during his NFL transition. In man coverage, Walker shows some rawness, particularly when matching up against receivers with nuanced route-running ability. Additionally, his aggressive play style sometimes leads to overpursuit, resulting in missed opportunities in the backfield when operating as an edge defender.

Career Highs
* 4 tackles vs. Vanderbilt, 2022
* 2.0 sacks vs. Alabama, 2023
* 1.0 TFL vs. TCU, Alabama, 2023

2023: Played in all 14 games as a reserve ILB…posted a team-leading five sacks for a loss of 39 yards…tallied 20 tackles, including 14 solo stops...credited with half of a sack for a loss of four yards in win over Kentucky...forced the second fumble of the season for the Bulldogs with a sack for a loss of 13 yards in road win over Florida...had two tackles, including assisting on one for loss, in win over Ole Miss at home...posted a pair of tackles, including a career-high two sacks for a combined loss of 16 yards, along with five QB hurries in the SEC Championship against Alabama...notched four tackles in the Capital One Orange Bowl win over Florida State...selected to the Preseason Media Days All-SEC Third Team.

2022: Saw action as a reserve LB and on kick coverage units in all 15 games...blocked a first-quarter Kent State punt that resulted in a safety...had four tackles in win over Vanderbilt...had two QB hurries in win over Florida...lone tackle in win at Kentucky resulted in a 1-yard loss...had two tackles, including one for lost yardage, in win over Georgia Tech...had one QB hurry against LSU in the SEC Championship...credited three QB hurries in win over Ohio State in CFP Semifinal Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl...had one tackle for loss of 10 yards, one pass breakup and four QB hurries in win over TCU in CFP National Championship Game. 

High School: Salisbury HS, coached by Brian Hinson…selected to play in 2022 Under Armour All-American Game…247Sports.com four-star prospect…ranked as the #3 linebacker prospect nationally, the #2 prospect in North Carolina and the #44 prospect nationally…PrepStar Magazine five-star prospect, #5 LB prospect, #2 prospect in North Carolina and #41 prospect nationally…ESPN.com four-star prospect, #3 LB prospect, #2 prospect in North Carolina and #38 prospect nationally…rivals.com four-star prospect, #3 LB prospect, #2 prospect in North Carolina and #79 prospect nationally…selected as the 2020 North Carolina Gatorade Football Player of the Year…helped lead Salisbury to 11-1 record and third round of NCHSAA Class 2A playoffs…notched 39 tackles, including 24 solo stops and one sack, while also playing offensive snaps at tight end…named finalist for 2021 High School Butkus Award…named the Central Carolina Conference Defensive Player of the Year during his junior and senior seasons…named Big 22 Player of the Year for best player in Charlotte area…also competed in basketball and track and field for Salisbury.

Personal:  Full name JALON NICHOLAS WALKER...major: Communication Studies...recipient of the Michael A. Kahn Family Football Scholarship.

2022

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
2.0	0.0	9.0	0.0	0.0	1.0	5.0

puntReturns
AVG	NO	TD	LONG	YDS
5.0	1.0	0.0	5.0	5.0