Jalon Walker LB/EDGE Georgia | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Jalon Walker LB/EDGE Georgia
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| PLAY STYLE: EDGE OLB | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 10/22/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.50 seconds (94%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 20.8 DOB: 02/24/2004 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| PLAY STYLE: EDGE OLB | |
| Last Updated: 10/22/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.50 seconds (94%*) | |
| Age: 20.8 DOB: 02/24/2004 | |
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| Overall Rating: | 83.0 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Offense player has faced | ||
| Offense Rating: |
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79% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| Tackling: |
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78% |
| Pass Rush: |
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89% |
| Run Defense: |
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66% |
| Coverage: |
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70% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
4th
Overall Rank:
#128
Position rank:
#11
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| College Games: 36 College Snaps: 748 | ||
ESPN RATING: 87/100
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247 RATING: 98/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.9 (97%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Nick Hampton - Appalachian State |
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77% |
| Derick Hall - Auburn |
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77% |
| Yasir Abdullah - Louisville |
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75% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Jalon Walker, a versatile linebacker out of Georgia, has steadily climbed draft boards with his dynamic play and positional flexibility. The Salisbury, North Carolina native made an immediate impact for the Bulldogs, seeing action in all 26 games over his two-year career. Walker's journey from a highly touted high school recruit to a key contributor on Georgia's vaunted defense showcases his rapid development and high ceiling.Standing at 6'2" and weighing 245 pounds, Walker possesses an ideal frame for the modern NFL linebacker. His background as the 2020 North Carolina Gatorade Football Player of the Year and finalist for the 2021 High School Butkus Award speaks to his pedigree. At Georgia, Walker's versatility shone through as he seamlessly transitioned between inside and outside linebacker roles, accumulating 20 tackles and a team-leading five sacks in his sophomore campaign.
Walker's collegiate career reached its apex during the 2023 SEC Championship game against Alabama, where he recorded two sacks and five quarterback hurries. This performance, coupled with his consistent improvement, has scouts salivating over his potential as a three-down linebacker at the next level.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Exceptional athleticism, has run a blazing 4.50 40-yard dash time, placing him in the 94th percentile for linebackers
- Versatility to play both inside and outside linebacker positions, offering valuable scheme flexibility for NFL defenses
- High-motor player with a knack for getting to the quarterback, leading Georgia with five sacks in 2023
- Strong tackling technique, consistently wrapping up and finishing plays with authority
- Impressive football IQ, likely influenced by his father's background as a college football coach
- Effective in pass rush situations, demonstrated by multiple multi-sack games and consistent quarterback pressures
- Solid coverage skills, showing ability to drop back and disrupt passing lanes
- High character individual and team leader, actively involved in campus organizations beyond football
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Limited starting experience at the collegiate level, potentially impacting his ability to read and react quickly in complex NFL schemes
- Run defense skills, while solid, could use refinement to consistently shed blocks and maintain gap integrity
- May need to improve play recognition skills to maximize his athletic gifts at the next level
- Coverage abilities, while promising, require further development to match up with NFL-caliber tight ends and running backs
- Could benefit from adding more functional strength to better stack and shed against pro-level offensive linemen
Scouting Report: Summary
Walker projects as a high-upside linebacker prospect with the potential to develop into a three-down player at the next level. His rare combination of size, speed, and versatility will be highly coveted by NFL teams looking to bolster their linebacker corps. Walker's ability to rush the passer from multiple positions adds significant value to his draft stock.Scheme fit will be crucial for Walker's early success. A defensive coordinator who can utilize his versatility in multiple packages will maximize his impact. He could thrive in a 3-4 system that allows him to alternate between inside and outside roles, similar to his usage at Georgia. His athleticism and motor also make him an ideal candidate for special teams contributions while he refines his skills.
With proper coaching and development, Walker has the tools to become a dynamic playmaker in the NFL. His high character and leadership qualities, combined with his on-field potential, make him an intriguing prospect who could outperform his draft position.
Written By:
Wyatt Brooks (SEC)
How other scouting services rate Jalon Walker (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
32.3
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
1.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.