Jalon Walker — NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

The Panthers could pick Walker or Jihaad Campbell here to be a versatile linebacker/edge rusher in the Micah Parsons mold. Walker's experience rushing the passer, explosiveness and strength holding the point of attack might give him a slight edge to end up in Carolina.

Perhaps now the most pressing need in Pittsburgh, but a tremendous value pick. There are mixed reviews on what Jalon Walker will be at the NFL level, but few question his athleticism and traits. Could the next great Steelers pass-rusher fall into their laps?

Walker heads right down the road from Athens to bring his infectious play to a defense badly needing some juice. Any defensive position makes sense for the Falcons here, and while Walker is a bit of a 'tweener between off-ball linebacker and pass rusher, the Falcons need both. Just get him into this front seven.

The Cardinals addressed their biggest defensive needs during free agency, signing outside linebacker Josh Sweat and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, so they have flexibility here. They need help on the offensive line, particularly at guard, but Walker is too good to pass up. Best player available. He's everything the organization covets: The 2024 Butkus Award winner, Walker is versatile, athletic and productive. He's the son of a football coach. And he was a team captain in college. Walker can play off-ball linebacker or on the edge. Most importantly, he gives coordinator Nick Rallis another solid piece to build around. — Doug Haller

Jalon Walker would form a dynamic trio with Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, with the latter kicking inside on passing downs to give all three players the chance to rush the passer at the same time. Jalon Walker could play off-ball linebacker on early downs and then rush off the edge when it's time to hunt the quarterback.

In three of the past five seasons (2021, 2022, 2024) the Falcons have finished either last or 31st in the NFL in sacks. Arguably this year's most intriguing combination of agility, explosiveness and instincts, Walker is a virtual Swiss Army knife whose ability to make big plays as a rusher or as a traditional linebacker should excite both head coach Raheem Morris and the local fan base.

Walker would give the Texans a much-needed talent upgrade at the linebacker position.

The Panthers had the worst scoring defense in the league. Luckily for them, it's a strong defensive draft, particularly with edge rushers, defensive tackles and linebackers. Walker fits what Carolina needs, being a do-it-all linebacker at Georgia. He can play inside and make tackles while being explosive at the edge. I'm a big fan of Walker.

Carolina's biggest weakness last season was the defense. It allowed 6.0 yards per play and surrendered 31.4 points per game. Those league-worst numbers were clearly on Panthers general manager Dan Morgan's mind during free agency, when the team inked Tre'von Moehrig, Tershawn Wharton, Pat Jones II and Christian Rozeboom. But Morgan shouldn't stop there.

Drafting Walker would give Carolina a versatile defender who can play off-ball linebacker (where I have him ranked) or on the edge. He had 62 tackles and 6.5 sacks in 2024, and his sideline-to-sideline speed and first-step burst are really awesome traits.

Jalon Walker can easily play the true 3-4 outside linebacker role the Panthers have in Ejiro Evero's defense. Watching his tape, though, I still want him rushing the passer as much as possible.

Los Angeles' plan of attack this offseason is coming into focus. It stocked up on physical additions on offense with Mekhi Becton and Najee Harris. It managed to secure another year of Khalil Mack, but the long-term outlook here needs more answers in the pass rush.

Walker's build is untraditional on the edge, but his power and burst are undeniable. Mack would be a good player to learn underneath.