Is the versatile Georgia defender Jalon Walker an under-the-radar option for the Jacksonville Jaguars with the fifth overall pick in this year's NFL draft?
While most mock drafts have the Jaguars taking Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham at No. 5, here and there we've seen Walker mocked to Jacksonville instead.
Walker brings versatility to a defense. Along with rushing the passer, he's played off-ball linebacker as well. His presence would also allow the Jaguars to move Travon Walker inside on obvious passing downs as well.
Walker has played fewer than 1,000 career college snaps, with 642 of them coming this past season. According to PFF, he played 311 snaps from the box and 249 on the defensive line.
As a pass rusher, Walker totaled 34 pressures and seven sacks. In coverage, on only 12 targets, he allowed 10 receptions at just 8.9 yards per reception.
We've frequently heard GM James Gladstone mention the phrase "intangibly rich" when describing the type of players the Jaguars want to add to their team. As that pertains to Walker, NFL.com's Lance Zierlein would note that Walker's leadership is "famous in the Georgia building."
"Walker can go," wrote Zierlien. "His career snap count is split between edge and linebacker, and his leadership is famous in the Georgia building. He’s still working to fine-tune his instincts and efficiency as an off-ball linebacker but has the take-on and closing burst to become a productive pro at that spot.
"He’s tough but small as an early down edge rusher, but his athletic talent and suddenness to attack both edges makes him a menace for tackles. The most valuable usage for Walker is likely to come as an early down linebacker who can rush off the edge or match up across the line as a blitzer on passing downs."
In terms of fit with this Jaguars team, Walker seems to check a lot of box from the intangibles, to his play-style, and versatility--two important elements when it comes what defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile is looking for.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Georgia's Jalon Walker an option for Jaguars at pick 5?
