- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 427,287
- Reaction score
- 44
Doesn't it kinda feel like Jalon Walker is already a Carolina Panther?
From the fairly early and the very recent collections of mock drafts to the growing chatter amongst fans on social media, no prospect in the 2025 class has been linked to the Panthers more than the University of Georgia linebacker. Heck, even what general manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales have decided to divulge about him in recent weeks has created some interesting smoke.
But while Walker seems like the safest bet to be selected by Carolina with this year's eighth overall pick, he's not exactly a sure thing in the NFL.
The Salisbury, N.C. native has acquired the often ill-fated "tweener" label in the lead-up to the draft. Walker split his final season in Athens between the inside linebacker and edge positions—with 311 of his snaps coming in the box and 249 off the defensive line.
While that versatility could be viewed as a luxury, some of Walker's film and physical attributes have raised questions about his outlook in the pros.
Walker, who has not played as an off-ball 'backer for long, didn't consistently exhibit the natural instincts that role requires. And as a pass rusher, he's a bit undersized for the bigs at 6-foot-1 and 243 pounds.
Rather than being considered a can't-miss, do-it-all defender, perhaps like an Abdul Carter, Walker may be perceived by many as a jack of all trades and a master of none.
The Panthers, however, shouldn't be of the "many."
In fact, Carolina already stood alone this past year, setting a new NFL single-season record for points allowed. Additionally, they finished last in pressure rate (16.2 percent) and relinquished a ridiculous 179.8 rushing yards per game—almost 40 more yards than the next closest team.
Although much of those nightmarish results can be chalked up to injuries and a lack of NFL-level depth, the defense was missing an identity. With captains in Pro Bowl lineman Derrick Brown and longtime middle linebacker Shaq Thompson both sidelined for the majority of the campaign, the Panthers were directionless, punchless and, oftentimes, lifeless.
That's where Walker, despite what you'll hear about his fit, is a certainty.
The 21-year-old, time and time again, has been lauded for his intangibles during his stay at Georgia. His leadership, effort and ability to hold teammates accountable made him the lead dog amongst a pack of, well, "Dawgs."
"He gets everybody pumped up," Bulldogs cornerback Daylen Everette said of Walker in November, via ESPN. "He's doing his job, and then even off the field, his leadership, he motivates people to be good. He's a great leader, great guy."
You also might've seen the following tribute of Walker from Georgia head coach Kirby Smart:
Or, more recently, this from NFL draft analyst Todd McShay:
You're getting more than just a player with Walker. You're getting a presence. And Carolina, with Thompson not returning for an 11th season, currently doesn't have that in the middle of their unit.
Walker can help establish a direction, a steadiness and a doggedness in forming that much-needed identity. So perhaps he would have a defined position in the pros—the quarterback of a defense.
Oh, and let's not totally dismiss Walker's play either.
The 2024 first-team All-American and Butkus Award winner led an elite college program in sacks (6.5), pressures (23) and fumble recoveries (two). Plus, his power, speed and violence—all of which combine for a potent athletic profile—may end up washing out the concerns about his size.
A best-case comparison for Walker could be former Panthers outside linebacker Haason Reddick, who also stands at 6-foot-1 and 240 pounds. If Walker's athleticism translates well, Carolina would have a certified pocket disruptor—which, most will argue, is the second-most important asset on an NFL roster.
At worst, they'll have a future leader who needs a little more developing—a type of initiative Morgan and Canales have embraced in this stage of Carolina's rebuild. If Walker maxes out as a hybrid linebacker who lines up both inside and out, think along the lines of a Frankie Luvu.
Now, is that player worth the eighth overall pick of the draft?
For some teams, he isn't—and the variance of his standing across a number of big boards may indicate that.
Walker is currently ranked as high as No. 5 by NFL Media's Daniel Jeremiah and as low as No. 29 by Pro Football Focus. He's also No. 6 for FOX Sports' Joel Klatt, No. 8 for The Ringer's Danny Kelly, No. 11 for Bleacher Report's scouting department, No. 13 for ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. and No. 19 for The 33rd Team's Kyle Crabbs.
But for the Panthers—Walker, who may be the most polarizing prospect of the 2025 draft, might just be the piece who can connect the chaos that is their defense.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Why Jalon Walker is really a safe bet for the Panthers
Continue reading...
From the fairly early and the very recent collections of mock drafts to the growing chatter amongst fans on social media, no prospect in the 2025 class has been linked to the Panthers more than the University of Georgia linebacker. Heck, even what general manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales have decided to divulge about him in recent weeks has created some interesting smoke.
But while Walker seems like the safest bet to be selected by Carolina with this year's eighth overall pick, he's not exactly a sure thing in the NFL.
The Salisbury, N.C. native has acquired the often ill-fated "tweener" label in the lead-up to the draft. Walker split his final season in Athens between the inside linebacker and edge positions—with 311 of his snaps coming in the box and 249 off the defensive line.
While that versatility could be viewed as a luxury, some of Walker's film and physical attributes have raised questions about his outlook in the pros.
Walker, who has not played as an off-ball 'backer for long, didn't consistently exhibit the natural instincts that role requires. And as a pass rusher, he's a bit undersized for the bigs at 6-foot-1 and 243 pounds.
Rather than being considered a can't-miss, do-it-all defender, perhaps like an Abdul Carter, Walker may be perceived by many as a jack of all trades and a master of none.
The Panthers, however, shouldn't be of the "many."
In fact, Carolina already stood alone this past year, setting a new NFL single-season record for points allowed. Additionally, they finished last in pressure rate (16.2 percent) and relinquished a ridiculous 179.8 rushing yards per game—almost 40 more yards than the next closest team.
Although much of those nightmarish results can be chalked up to injuries and a lack of NFL-level depth, the defense was missing an identity. With captains in Pro Bowl lineman Derrick Brown and longtime middle linebacker Shaq Thompson both sidelined for the majority of the campaign, the Panthers were directionless, punchless and, oftentimes, lifeless.
That's where Walker, despite what you'll hear about his fit, is a certainty.
The 21-year-old, time and time again, has been lauded for his intangibles during his stay at Georgia. His leadership, effort and ability to hold teammates accountable made him the lead dog amongst a pack of, well, "Dawgs."
"He gets everybody pumped up," Bulldogs cornerback Daylen Everette said of Walker in November, via ESPN. "He's doing his job, and then even off the field, his leadership, he motivates people to be good. He's a great leader, great guy."
You also might've seen the following tribute of Walker from Georgia head coach Kirby Smart:
Jalon had a goal when he came to Georgia, to win the Butkus award. He made it happen#GoDawgs | @JalonWlakerpic.twitter.com/3t2rjd1EUB
— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) December 13, 2024
Or, more recently, this from NFL draft analyst Todd McShay:
You're getting more than just a player with Walker. You're getting a presence. And Carolina, with Thompson not returning for an 11th season, currently doesn't have that in the middle of their unit.
Walker can help establish a direction, a steadiness and a doggedness in forming that much-needed identity. So perhaps he would have a defined position in the pros—the quarterback of a defense.
Oh, and let's not totally dismiss Walker's play either.
The 2024 first-team All-American and Butkus Award winner led an elite college program in sacks (6.5), pressures (23) and fumble recoveries (two). Plus, his power, speed and violence—all of which combine for a potent athletic profile—may end up washing out the concerns about his size.
A best-case comparison for Walker could be former Panthers outside linebacker Haason Reddick, who also stands at 6-foot-1 and 240 pounds. If Walker's athleticism translates well, Carolina would have a certified pocket disruptor—which, most will argue, is the second-most important asset on an NFL roster.
At worst, they'll have a future leader who needs a little more developing—a type of initiative Morgan and Canales have embraced in this stage of Carolina's rebuild. If Walker maxes out as a hybrid linebacker who lines up both inside and out, think along the lines of a Frankie Luvu.
Now, is that player worth the eighth overall pick of the draft?
For some teams, he isn't—and the variance of his standing across a number of big boards may indicate that.
Walker is currently ranked as high as No. 5 by NFL Media's Daniel Jeremiah and as low as No. 29 by Pro Football Focus. He's also No. 6 for FOX Sports' Joel Klatt, No. 8 for The Ringer's Danny Kelly, No. 11 for Bleacher Report's scouting department, No. 13 for ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. and No. 19 for The 33rd Team's Kyle Crabbs.
But for the Panthers—Walker, who may be the most polarizing prospect of the 2025 draft, might just be the piece who can connect the chaos that is their defense.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Why Jalon Walker is really a safe bet for the Panthers
Continue reading...
