Faclons land pass-rusher Jalon Walker with No. 15 pick

The Atlanta Falcons selected Georgia edge rusher Jalon Walker in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 15th overall.

After starring at Georgia, Walker will begin his pro career in familiar territory in the Peach State. With his selection Thursday, the talented pass-rusher becomes the first Georgia alum the Falcons have selected in the first or second round since 1966.

Atlanta adds a versatile defender to help revamp a pass rush that lost Matthew Judon and Grady Jarrett this offseason. Walker tallied 19 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks across his three years with the Bulldogs.

The NFC South club made a stunning trade later in Round 1 on Thursday to select former Tennessee pass-rusher James Pearce Jr. at No. 26.

The Falcons' defensive unit finished 31st in the league with 31 sacks in 2024.

Pre-draft profile

Positional fit is the big question for Walker. Is he an edge rusher, an off-ball linebacker, or both? He can certainly rotate between the two, as he did at Georgia, but he'll be most valuable at the next level in getting after the quarterback. He's explosive off the ball and demonstrates great change of direction, and his closing speed is as good as it gets. Walker also plays with more than enough power to hold up at the point of attack in the run game. That should help alleviate any concerns about his size in a full-time role on the edge. The pass-rush arsenal is still a work in progress, but it's fair to assume he'd improve with more focus on one position. The athletic gifts provide plenty of upside. A creative defensive coordinator may look to utilize his unique skill set all over the field, but it doesn't have to be that complicated. Walker could become a star on the edge alone.