The Atlanta Falcons made team history when they selected Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jalon Walker with the No. 15 pick in the 2025 NFL draft. Walker, who played at Georgia for three seasons, is the Falcons’ first ever first-round pick from the University of Georgia during the common draft era.

Walker will bring leadership and versatility to the Falcons. He’s capable of lining up both as an inside linebacker and as an edge rusher. Atlanta fans should expect for Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich to deploy Walker in a multitude of different ways.

Walker was one of 13 Georgia Bulldogs selected in the draft. He’s projected to earn the second largest rookie contract of any Dawg in the draft behind San Francisco 49ers first-round pick Mykel Williams.

Jalon Walker’s projected contract

Walker is projected to earn a four-year rookie contract worth $20.5 million, according to Spotrac. The Falcons will have a team-option to have a fifth year in the contract.

Rookie contracts no longer have much negotiating room like they used to. Walker is projected to ink a contract with a $11.6 million signing bonus. He’ll earn an average of over $5.1 million per season during his four year deal.

Walker and the Atlanta defense are looking to finally become one of the better units in the NFL. The Falcons also traded up to draft Tennessee defensive end James Pearce Jr. in the first-round.

This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Projected rookie contract for Falcons LB Jalon Walker