For years, the Atlanta Falcons were criticized for passing on Georgia players in the draft. That finally changed when the team selected Bulldogs linebacker Jalon Walker in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft.
Walker is the first Bulldogs player ever taken by the Falcons in the first or second round. The versatile edge rusher is expected to help fix Atlanta’s underwhelming pass rush this season. While training camp is still a few weeks away, Walker is making sure to stay in shape.
The NFL’s social media account posted a video of Walker working out with his former Georgia teammate, Nolan Smith, on the Fourth of July.
Watch: Falcons LB Jalon Walker, Eagles LB Nolan Smith work out
.@GeorgiaFootball alums Nolan Smith and Jalon Walker are putting in the work 😤@Eagles | @AtlantaFalconspic.twitter.com/teSnFM4X18
— NFL (@NFL) July 4, 2025
Falcons head coach Raheem Morris praised Walker for having “captain-like traits” during the team’s mandatory minicamp.
“He has like those captain-like traits,” Morris said of Walker. “When you first meet him, you get that feel, you get that vibe from him. He’ll be one of those guys that you can tell is gonna lead us in the future.”
After finishing 31st in the NFL with 31 sacks last season, Walker, along with fellow rookie James Pearce Jr., will look to elevate the unit in 2025.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons LB Jalon Walker, Eagles LB Nolan Smith work out