Falcons Draft Jalon Walker 15th Overall

The Atlanta Falcons selected Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker with the 15th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, making him the first University of Georgia player the franchise has chosen in the first round. Walker, the 2024 Butkus Award winner and first-team All-America honoree, is recognized for his versatility as both an edge rusher and linebacker. He led Georgia in sacks (6.5), tackles for loss, and pressures last season despite being considered slightly undersized for a full-time edge role at 6-foot-1 and 243 pounds. Analysts view Walker as a dynamic, high-motor talent whose positional flexibility will allow Atlanta to use him creatively on defense. His selection was seen as a value pick, as some projected him to go in the top 10 but he fell to 15th. The pick addresses Atlanta's need to improve their pass rush after a disappointing defensive performance last season.