Jalon Walker projects to become a star defensive lineman in the NFL. His traits are off the charts and teams looking to bolster their defense are in luck. In this scouting report we explore the next great Edge Rusher in the NFL Draft from the Georgia Bulldogs, Jalon Walker.
Measurables:
6’2″ (u)
245 lbs (u)
Player Background:
Walker was a 4-star prospect out of High School. He was ranked in the top 50 in his recruiting class and committed to Georgia. He joined the Bulldogs and initially contributed on Special Teams and was a rotational LB. As a freshman, he saw minimal action in Georgia’s National Championship win against TCU. Walker worked his way up the ranks in Georgia’s star-studded defense and in his final season he won the Butkus Award, given to the nation’s top LB. Walker played all over the field in Kirby Smart’s complex defense but projects to be an Edge defender at the NFL level.
Strengths:
Jalon Walker on tape is an incredibly intriguing prospect in this draft class. His combination of length, bend, and burst makes for a desirable edge prospect. Walker can win with pure speed but also with power. He is quick off the line and can take on blocks by turning his speed into power. Walker is a twitchy and sudden athlete who possesses the necessary bend to beat blockers with speed. He is explosive and heavy-handed and can disrupt the pocket by standing up blockers and getting into the backfield.
Walker played in many different spots and alignments in college and showed a level of aggressiveness and violence as a run defender. On the ball, he will set a strong edge and utilize his range to become a complete run defender. He maintains a strong pad level and is slippery in working upfield to clog up run lanes. Walker does well staying disciplined and making sure not to rush too far upfield. He is always in position to disrupt the run game.
Weaknesses:
Walker wasn’t always used as a primary edge rusher. He didn’t display a ton of pass-rush moves and often relied on athleticism over technique to get to the QB. He is also on the smaller side for an edge defender. There were some reps where his high motor and athleticism weren’t enough. He will need to get stronger at the next level.
Walker can be impactful right away but the pass rush is a work in progress. Limited snaps on the line can be a knock on him but I project him to have no problem in his transition to the next level.
Potential Team Fits
NFL Projection:
Jalon Walker can become an absolute elite Edge in the NFL. His traits are exciting and he was impactful when he was lined up on the ball at Georgia. With him, it’s about projection, but he’s not as raw as you’d think. Walker can be impactful right away and can quickly become a high-level defender. Walker is powerful and long. His explosiveness will translate very well and his sneaky bend will disrupt opposing offenses. His athleticism will be on display in an NFL-style defense and he’ll be able to become an absolute game wrecker.
Prospect Grade:
Early First Rounder
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Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
