Jalon Walker — NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

Leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft, we will track where Georgia Bulldogs edge/linebacker Jalon Walker appears in the latest NFL mock drafts.

Jalon Walker NFL Mock Drafts

Here are some of the latest mock drafts in which Walker has appeared:

NFL.com — Eric Edholm

No. 8 overall — Carolina Panthers

Bryce Young needs weapons, true, but Walker's burst, bend and play style are perfect for a defense that regressed in 2024 and could use more juice up front.

CBS Sports — Josh Edwards

No. 8 overall — Carolina Panthers

In the past, I have given Carolina either Will Johnson or Mykel Williams, dependent upon who was available. In the spirit of mixing things up, the Panthers take Jalon Walker, adding a player capable of applying pressure from the second level.

NFL.com — Bucky Brooks

No. 9 overall — New Orleans Saints

The Saints' defense needs an infusion of young, athletic talent. Walker's speed and explosiveness could make him a big-play specialist as a pro.

Yahoo! — Tice/McDonald

No. 16 overall — Arizona Cardinals

Jalon Walker is the perfect player for how the Cardinals have liked playing defense. He's an amoeba-like defender that can play a whole bunch of roles and excels as a blitzer moving fast downhill. Walker may not be a classic edge defender, but that's a good fit for Arizona.

The Athletic — Baumgardner/Dochterman

No. 19 overall — Tampa Bay Buccaneers

In case you're starting to sense a theme, Walker also could have a pretty wide draft range. But he's a first-round playmaker. A lighter version of Carter who probably can do more than Penn State's superstar from a coverage standpoint, Walker would fill multiple needs in Tampa Bay.

EDSFootball — Kevin Hanson

No. 8 overall — Carolina Panthers

General manager Dan Morgan will likely use this pick to address Carolina's defense, especially their front seven, which ranked last in the league in YPG (404.5), yards per play (6.0), YPC (5.2), QB pressures per play (16.2%), and points per game (31.4). Walker's positional versatility and ability to rush the passer will be a good first step in turning around the defense.

The 33rd Team — Kyle Crabbs

No. 18 overall — Seattle Seahawks

Seattle's defensive scheme under Mike MacDonald is a tailor-made fit for Jalon Walker's NFL projection. Walker is best at rushing the passer and dropping into shallow zones, particularly off the edge. Standing him up next to Leonard Williams, DreMont Jones, and others would give the team's edge rush room a whole new feel with his explosive power and burst.

NFL.com — Daniel Jeremiah

No. 16 overall — Arizona Cardinals

Walker is a bit undersized as an edge rusher, but he offers an intriguing mix of length, explosiveness and playmaking ability.

ESPN — Mel Kiper

No. 8 overall — Carolina Panthers

Carolina gave up 6.0 yards per play and 31.4 points per game this season, both last in the NFL. Regardless of what you think of quarterback Bryce Young's long-term potential, it's tough to win games with a defense that allows that many points.

Walker is versatile, and he can line up as a traditional off-ball linebacker or as an edge rusher. His game is all about speed-to-power, and no matter where you put him, he can get into the backfield to blow up plays. He had 6.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss this season, and he'd be a fit in coordinator Ejiro Evero's unit.

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