We are now more than halfway through the NFL regular season, and the 2024 college football season is nearly over as well. That has provided us with a lot more clarity on the 2025 NFL Draft class, including team needs, and which prospects are trending upward. That makes it a perfect time for an NFL mock draft.
In my most recent two-round mock draft over at A to Z Sports, the Atlanta Falcons came away with quite a talented haul. Both selections were aimed to fill by far the team’s biggest need this offseason. There’s no secret that involves the pass rush, currently having only 10 sacks as a team so far this season.
It began with the No. 20 overall selection in the first round, where the Falcons selected Georgia star defender Jalon Walker. A breakout star so far this season, Walker currently sits with 48 total tackles, eight sacks, and 5.5 sacks. He has also recorded one pass breakup and two forced fumbles for the Bulldogs.
Here are some brief thoughts about Walker, and his fit into Atlanta.
20. Atlanta Falcons: Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
Through 11 games this season, the Falcons have only accounted for ten sacks as a team. That is obviously really, really poor production. Walker is a smaller standup rusher but he has an impressive combination of burst and bench, which should upgrade the pass rush quickly.
Walker is a unique defender, possessing an undersized frame at 6-2 and 245 pounds. He does spend a lot of time off the ball on base downs, which could add extra value to the Falcons' defense.
Make no mistake about it, however, Walker is here for his abilities on pass rush downs. He is explosive, bendy, and has tremendous upside to continue to tap into.
When your pass rush has been as poor as the Falcons have been this season, it’s never a bad idea to double-dip into the weakness. I did just that in the second round, where I gave Atlanta Ohio State defensive end JT Tuimoloau. He’s a different type of pass rusher than Walker, which could present an interesting combination.
At over 6-4 and 270 pounds, Tuimoloau is a power-based EDGE who plays with a relentless motor. While he never quite lived up to his five-star billing out of high school, Tuimoloau is still a good player. He still brings starter upside to the table.
