Former Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker is now officially a member of the Atlanta Falcons, and Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart took a moment to recognize and celebrate his former defensive leader.
Since 2020, Smart has overseen a program that leads the nation in NFL Draft picks, with 49 selections prior to the start of the 2025 draft on Thursday night.
Earlier in the evening, former Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams was selected 11th overall by the San Francisco 49ers. Just a few picks later, Atlanta chose Walker with the 15th pick—marking the Falcons’ first selection of a Georgia player in the first two rounds since 1966.
A highly touted five-star prospect from Salisbury, North Carolina, Walker made a name for himself in Georgia’s elite defense. After learning behind future pros as a freshman, he broke out with five sacks as a sophomore and delivered a standout campaign in 2024.
As a junior, Jalon Walker was named an All-American and won the prestigious Butkus Award, given to the nation’s top linebacker. The 6-foot-1, 243-pound defender racked up 60 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and two pass deflections while leading the SEC champion Georgia Bulldogs.
In addition to his versatility as both an edge rusher and off-ball linebacker, Walker played a leadership role on Georgia’s defense. His character and presence were consistently praised by head coach Kirby Smart, who shared a heartfelt message after Walker was drafted 15th overall.
“Congrats Jalon—your dream has finally come true, and we’re so thankful to have been a part of it!” Smart posted on X. “Your parents did an amazing job raising you, and I know they’re incredibly proud. The Falcons got not only a great player, but an even better person. You’ll always be a Dawg. GO DAWGS!!”
Congrats @JalonWlaker your dream has finally come true, and we are so grateful to have been a part of it !! Your parents have done an unbelievable job raising you, and I know they are so proud. The @AtlantaFalcons got a great player and an even better person. You’re a dawg for… pic.twitter.com/JGW0d4KOG8
— Coach Kirby Smart (@KirbySmartUGA) April 25, 2025
Walker becomes the third player to win the Butkus Award during Kirby Smart’s decade-long leadership at Georgia, and the third linebacker under Smart to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.
The Falcons, led by head coach Raheem Morris, are counting on Walker to make an immediate impact on a defense that ranked 31st in sacks last season. His journey at the professional level officially begins at rookie minicamp on May 9.
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