Jalon Walker selected 15th in the NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons

Jalon Walker’s rise from elite college defender to first-round NFL Draft pick was made official on Thursday night, as the former Georgia linebacker heard his name called with the No. 15 overall selection by the Atlanta Falcons. The selection serves as the culmination of a standout junior season and a steady progression through one of college football’s premier defenses.

In 2024, Walker emerged as one of the most complete linebackers in the country, tallying 60 total tackles, including 37 solo stops. He made his presence felt behind the line of scrimmage with 11 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, routinely disrupting opposing backfields. His impact went far beyond the box score, though, as he anchored the Bulldogs’ linebacker corps with leadership and versatility.

That season-long dominance earned him the Butkus Award, recognizing him as the top linebacker in the nation. He became just the third player in Georgia football history to take home that honor, joining Roquan Smith and Nakobe Dean.

Across three seasons in Athens, Walker compiled 89 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and 12.5 sacks. His ability to play both off the ball and rush the passer made him a unique chess piece for Georgia’s defense. He played in 43 career games, becoming a steady and dangerous presence at all levels of the defense.

Walker’s versatility and motor quickly made him a favorite among NFL scouts. His combination of speed, instincts, and physicality allowed him to stand out among this year’s draft class, and his performance in big-game moments only strengthened his stock. As a team captain in 2024, Walker also proved to be a locker room leader with a high football IQ and elite work ethic.

For the Falcons, selecting Walker adds an athletic, intelligent, and battle-tested linebacker with the tools to contribute right away. With his Georgia pedigree and pro-ready traits, he’s poised to make an early impact in the NFL and continue his trajectory as one of football’s brightest young defensive talents.

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RISE UP ‼️@JalonWlaker is HOME!#GoDawgs | #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/NbekFgLD9O

— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) April 25, 2025