Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
Size:
Height: 6010
Weight: 243
Arm: 32”
Hand: 10 ¼”
Accomplishments:
Four-star recruit
“Jalon Walker has a great combination of an explosive first step, instincts, and pass-rush ability to be one of the most impactful second-level defenders in the NFL playing the run and rushing the quarterback.”
Strengths:
Explosive first step
Detailed pass-rush plan
Fluid mover/change of direction
Functional strength/power
Concerns:
Limited play experience
Size concern as edge rusher
Key and diagnose run as stacked linebacker
Film Analysis:
Jalon Walker is another draft prospect emerging from Georgia’s proven pipeline of defensive talent to the NFL. Entering the 2024 season, Walker had played a limited role, sitting behind some of the top draft prospects in recent years. However, the 2024 season served as his breakout year, as he gained national recognition not only as one of the nation’s best linebackers but also as one of the most talented pass rushers in college football and a top 2025 NFL Draft prospect.
Walker possesses an explosive first step, powerful hand counters, and the athleticism to be a challenging defender for offensive tackles to block. His athletic profile suggests he could be a versatile front-seven defender, but his biggest impact in the NFL may come as a stand-up edge rusher on third downs.
When evaluating Walker as an edge rusher, his most identifiable high-level trait is his explosive first step. He comes off the ball quickly, immediately putting offensive linemen in a difficult position. His quick burst forces them to gain depth in their pass set rapidly, allowing Walker to either continue rushing the outside arc or plant his foot and redirect inside for a counter move.
While Walker can win with athleticism alone, he also has an array of refined hand counters. He effectively utilizes moves such as the cross chop, two-hand swipe, ghost move, and speed-to-power conversion to keep offensive tackles off balance. Once past the lineman, Walker shifts gears and accelerates toward the quarterback. His combination of speed and explosiveness makes him a relentless pass rusher, capable of chasing down even the most athletic quarterbacks in college football.
Beyond his potential as a dominant edge rusher, Walker also has the athletic profile to be a versatile front-seven defender. At 6-foot-2 and 245 pounds, he is a well-proportioned, fluid athlete. This allows him to transition into a second-level role as a stacked linebacker, where he can utilize his short-area quickness and reactionary athleticism to flow sideline to sideline and make plays. Additionally, his closing speed and acceleration enable him to track down ball carriers all over the field.
Walker's biggest concern as a player is his ability to hold up and set a firm edge against the run when playing as an outside edge rusher. While his primary strength lies in rushing the passer, he may be undersized or outmatched against 300-pound offensive tackles in the run game. However, Walker plays with good leverage and technique, and refining his approach to run defense could help him become a more well-rounded player capable of setting the edge effectively.
Overall, Walker has all the physical tools needed to be a premier and impactful edge rusher. He also appears to possess the right mentality and temperament to become a culture-changer in an NFL locker room.
Prospect Projection: Day 1 — Pro Bowl Caliber
Written By: Keith Sanchez
Exposures: Notre Dame (2025), Clemson (2024), Texas (2024), Alabama (2024), Tennessee (2023), Kentucky (2023), Florida (2023), Alabama (2023)
