Atlanta Falcons fans have got to be as excited as anyone about their home team’s first-round draft pick, Jalon Walker. At 6-foot-5, he wowed the world by running a scorching fast 4.47 second 40 yard dash time. Selected at No. 15 overall in the NFL Draft, Walker is projected to add value that comes from versatility to the Falcons defense. His skill set has allowed him to be a versatile player, which has caused coaches and teammates to rave.
Raheem Morris, the Falcons’ defensive coordinator, expressed high expectations for Walker during a recent media session at the team’s practice facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia. Morris elaborated on his overall philosophy with regard to pass rushing and explained that you need two specific players in that area. He noted Walker’s versatility, saying that he hopes to use him in creative ways on third downs.
Morris noted, “I hate to even talk about them this way, but it’s hard not to.” His enthusiasm is understandable, considering the excitement around Walker’s potential to impact his new team’s defensive strategy.
Jalon Walker has an interesting skill set. He becomes even more dangerous when you consider his ability to drop back as an edge rusher and coverage defender. This dual capability is part of what makes him a “Swiss Army knife,” in the words of teammate Jacquies Smith. Smith continued to break things down, explaining how Walker can move around “like a chess piece,” displaying his IQ, flexibility and versatility on the field.
Despite primarily playing off the ball last season at Georgia, Walker has expressed a strong preference for being utilized as an edge rusher. “Good with me and I’m excited to embrace that role of just being on the edge for this upcoming season,” he stated. For one, Walker actually loves his current position. At the same time, he recognizes the need for continued expansion and development in his department.
Jeff Ulbrich, the Falcons’ linebackers coach, knows exactly how he wants Walker to be used. He is circling in on Walker as an edge rusher on defense. This more closely matching Ulbrich’s plan speaks to the team’s desire to get the most out of Walker’s strengths-upfield penetration.
Walker’s background makes him an even more interesting player to watch as he emerges in the NFL. He is the son of a former division I college head coach, who is now coaching at the high school level. This familial bond to coaching has played a big role in Walker’s football IQ, which Smith describes as “very high.”
The Falcons drafted James Pearce Jr. as an edge rusher in the first round, further solidifying their commitment to enhancing their pass-rushing capabilities. Even Pearce Jr.’s shown enthusiasm for stuffing the stat sheet with big-time plays like strip-sacks and fumble recoveries.
Smith encapsulated the team’s approach to utilizing their new talents by saying, “You combine it, man, you put it in a pot of gumbo.” This metaphor underscores the Falcons’ approach to taking players with different skill sets and putting them together to form a chaotic and impactful defense.
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