Jalon Walker

Rams Made Offer For Panthers’ No. 8 Pick; Carolina Eyed Jalon Walker As Backup Plan

June 4th, 2025 at 10:32am CST by Sam Robinson

Despite having made a Cooper Kupp-for-Davante Adams offseason switch, the Rams were connected to wide receivers in the draft. Buzz about Los Angeles and Emeka Egbuka emerged, but prior to that, the team was believed to be interested in a trade-up for Tetairoa McMillan.

Rams-McMillan rumors came up shortly after the Panthers made their pick at No. 8, but a recent offering from the NFC South team reveals Los Angeles did make an offer. The Panthers discussed terms with the Rams well into their time on the clock, and the Dan Morgan–Brandt Tilis duo debated (YouTube link) accepting Les Snead‘s offer.

The NFC teams discussed trade terms before the draft, per Tilis, but the Rams look to have come in with a different offer during the first round. Morgan assumed L.A. was eyeing McMillan at No. 8, leading him to ask for a monster proposal. The Panthers and Rams had made a key swap during last year’s second round, a move that gave the Rams Braden Fiske (after a move from No. 52 to No. 39) and the Panthers a 2025 second-rounder.

“It’s like if they want this, they’re going to have to go above and beyond, kind of like what they did to us last year when they gave us the two,” Morgan said, via Panthers.com’s Darin Gantt. “That’s because I was convicted on our guy. I really don’t want to lose this player. But if we are going to lose the player, and it’s something that could potentially set us up for the future, if we get a load of picks out of them, then let’s explore it.

“But I didn’t really want to. I was kind of hoping that they would say no. So when they said no at the end, I was fine with it. I was actually like, ‘Sweet.'”

It is not known what the Rams proposed, but a 2026 first-rounder and much more would have been required for the Panthers to move back to No. 26. After the Rams did not swing a deal for McMillan or Egbuka, they acquired a 2026 first-round pick — potential ammo for a QB-based trade-up next year — from the Falcons, who traded back into Round 1 for James Pearce Jr. The Falcons had chosen Jalon Walker at No. 15. The Panthers were closely connected to the hybrid Georgia linebacker, and The Athletic’s Joe Person notes the team would have been comfortable taking him at No. 8 — in the event McMillan was off the board.

A meeting between McMillan and WRs coach Rob Moore convinced the Panthers, who have now made first- or second-round receiver investments in the past three drafts (following Xavier Legette and the since-traded Jonathan Mingo). Carolina tabled its pass rush need to Day 2, viewing this draft’s EDGE class as bringing superior options compared to what the second round presented at wideout. As Walker will be expected to help solve the Falcons’ years-long edge-rushing issue, McMillan will be a central component of the Panthers’ renewed Bryce Young development effort.

The Panthers would have also been comfortable taking Mason Graham, Person adds, but the Browns closed that path by choosing him at No. 5. It is unclear how the Panthers would have proceeded between Graham and McMillan had the Michigan DT slid to 8. Had Carolina enjoyed access to Graham, Dallas awaited a potential McMillan grab at No. 12. Though, the 49ers and Packers were interested in trading up for the Arizona pass catcher as well.

The Rams did not choose a receiver until Round 7, and while they re-signed Tutu Atwell, it is fairly clear it wanted another weapon to pair with Adams — who will turn 33 before season’s end — and Puka Nacua. The Rams can also separate from Adams with a modest dead money charge in 2026. Not landing an early-round talent at the position, a year after a Brock Bowers-based trade-up move failed, would stand to affect Adams’ chances of playing out his two-year, $46MM L.A. accord.

Falcons Sign First-Round OLB Jalon Walker

May 9th, 2025 at 7:30pm CST by Ely Allen

The Falcons have one of the NFL’s smaller classes to sign after taking only five rookies in the 2025 NFL Draft, and they’ll open up their signings with their top draft selection, outside linebacker Jalon Walker. The versatile defender’s first NFL contract will be a four-year, $20.56MM deal.

For much of the pre-draft process Walker was considered a top prospect at both off-ball linebacker and pass rusher. The 21-year-old spent time all over the defense throughout his time at Georgia. His first two seasons in Athens saw him spend more time on the edge than in the box. His final year with the Bulldogs, though, saw him shift to more of an off-ball role, though he still spent about 40 percent of his time on the edge.

When Atlanta announced his selection two weeks ago, they intentionally labeled him as a “defensive end,” giving some insight into how he could be used at the next level. He and fellow first-round, former-SEC pass rusher James Pearce should push Leonard Floyd and Arnold Ebiketie for some starting snaps on the edge. Even if they can’t unseat the veterans, their presence still provides a significant improvement in the depth of the position for the Falcons.

While lacking ideal size, Walker has good length and speed to rush on the outside, and his eye for the ball and change of direction ability make him much more useful than just a pure pass rusher in the backfield. He works well through the mesh of blocks along the line, but when in a one-on-one matchup, he can often get erased. Still, his tenacity and room for growth make for a strong potential future in Atlanta.

With this being the team’s first draft pick signing of the class, here’s a look at the work they still have to do:

Round 1, No. 15: Jalon Walker (LB, Georgia) (signed)
Round 1, No. 26 (from Rams): James Pearce (DE, Tennessee)
Round 3, No. 96 (from Eagles): Xavier Watts (S, Notre Dame)
Round 4, No. 118: Billy Bowman (S, Oklahoma)
Round 7, No. 218 (from Browns through Chargers): Jack Nelson (T, Wisconsin)

Panthers’ View Of OLB Depth Impacted Tetairoa McMillan Pick

April 30th, 2025 at 3:08pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Panthers have now made three first- or second-round wide receiver picks in three years, bringing in Jonathan Mingo, Xavier Legette and Tetairoa McMillan. Although McMillan’s arrival can be viewed as a sign of early concern regarding Legette, Bryce Young made a push to have the Arizona WR prospect routed to Charlotte.

Young’s endorsement notwithstanding, the Panthers passed on improving their league-worst defense at No. 8. They circled back to their glaring outside linebacker need by using both their Day 2 picks (Nic Scourton, Princely Umanmielen) on the position, with these picks coming after the team shopped Jadeveon Clowney before the draft. The McMillan pick also emerged due to Carolina brass’ view of the draft depth at wide receiver and edge rushers.

Carolina believed this class featured better Day 2 options on the edge compared to wide receiver, according to SI.com’s Albert Breer. This led to the team filling its WR need early while betting it could land edge players soon after. The Panthers did pass on Jalon Walker, whom Breer adds the team had graded highly, to select McMillan. Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen also checked in high on the Panthers’ board, per Breer. Those defenders went 15th and 16th, respectively.

Given the Panthers’ modest approach to replacing Brian Burns last year, passing on Walker is risky. Carolina ranked last in points and yards allowed in 2024, despite its three-win improvement from a dismal 2023, and HC interest in Ejiro Evero — a 2023 and ’24 storyline — dimmed. The Panthers lost their 2025 second-round pick (No. 39), the final asset conveyed in the Young trade, but had picked up No. 57 from the Rams (via the 2024 Braden Fiske swap). The team traded up to Denver’s No. 51 spot for Scourton, who drew some late-first-round buzz. They then traded up (via the Patriots) to No. 77 for Umanmielen. The team will hope the former Texas A&M and Purdue edge rusher can hit the ground running, as Clowney may not be around as a veteran presence.

The Panthers have spoken with multiple teams on Clowney, and GM Dan Morgan did not confirm his roster spot. If Clowney is to return, The Athletic’s Joe Person notes his workload will be reduced. Clowney played 57% of the Ravens’ defensive snaps in 2023 but 64% of the Panthers’ last season. He finished with 5.5 sacks and four pass deflections — both numbers down from 2023. Clowney, 32, did match his Baltimore TFL number (nine) in his first Carolina season. If the former No. 1 overall pick is to return, he will be viewed as a bridge player while the rookies develop alongside free agency addition Patrick Jones. Clowney entering the season as a Panther also would make him a fairly obvious deadline chip.

As for the Panthers’ McMillan move, it came as the 49ers and Packers joined the Rams in showing interest. The Cowboys also appeared ready to take McMillan at No. 12. The 49ers joined the Rams in attempting to trade up with the Panthers, Breer adds.

Passing on a rumored trade-down maneuver, Carolina had shown increased interest in McMillan as the pre-draft process progressed. A late Zoom meeting with WRs coach Rob Moore helped seal the deal, per Breer, who adds the team’s “30” visit with the 6-foot-4 pass catcher did not go as well. McMillan landed in Carolina after a string of meetings elsewhere, potentially contributing to his lack of energy during the team’s in-person visit.

McMillan will team with Legette, Jalen Coker and Adam Thielen as Carolina’s top receivers. As long as Thielen is in the mix, one of the young players would stand to draw backup reps. It would seem Thielen will be tied to trade rumors for a second straight year.

Falcons Had Planned To Draft James Pearce Jr. At No. 15

April 29th, 2025 at 11:03pm CST by Sam Robinson

While the Jets carried the curse of John Abraham at edge rusher for over a decade, the Falcons also struggled mightily to replace the since-retired pass rusher. Despite first-round picks, notable free agency additions and a 2024 trade, Atlanta has come up empty in its search for consistent EDGE presences.

Abraham, whom Atlanta acquired in a three-team trade in 2006, signed with the Cardinals in 2013. The Falcons have sputtered in their attempts to locate edges since. Free agency additions (Osi Umenyiora, Dwight Freeney, Bruce Irvin, Dante Fowler, Bud Dupree) and a Matt Judon trade either provided stopgaps or ended up misfiring, while first-rounders Vic Beasley (2015) and Takk McKinley (2017) did not become long-term answers. Falcons have produced one double-digit sack season (Beasley’s outlier 2016) since Abraham’s 2013 exit.

This alarming trend heavily influenced Atlanta’s 2025 draft. The team had attempted to trade up for Laiatu Latu after its surprising Michael Penix Jr. pick last year, but no deal emerged. The Falcons did find a taker this year, sending their 2026 first-rounder to the Rams in a package that secured them James Pearce Jr. at No. 26. This came after Atlanta chose Jalon Walker at No. 15. The duo represents the biggest swing the Falcons have taken to stop this pass-rushing drought since Abraham’s Cardinals defection.

Although the Falcons have drawn criticism for trading their 2026 first to move into the late first round, they did so because they placed a high value on Pearce. The Tennessee edge presence would have been Atlanta’s No. 15 pick had Walker not been available, according to SI.com’s Albert Breer.

The Falcons did not expect Walker to be there at 15, leading to the Georgia hybrid linebacker being the choice. Walker had been linked to a few teams in the top 10 — from the Saints to the Panthesr to the Jets to even the Patriots at No. 4. Falcons GM Terry Fontenot said the team would have been “more than comfortable” taking Pearce at 15, per ESPN.com’s Marc Raimondi. Fontenot noted Pearce being off the board would have caused the Falcons to stand down, but they will be without their 2026 first-rounder because of a high grade on Pearce.

Even as Grady Jarrett returned from his ACL tear to team with Judon, the Falcons ranked 31st in pressure rate last season. Pearce, who registered 17.5 sacks over his final two Tennessee seasons and clocked a 4.47-second 40-yard dash, will join Walker and free agency addition Leonard Floyd in a beefed-up Falcons pass rush. Pearce had come up as a Falcons target at 15 during draft week. The team hosted him on a “30” visit as well.

It will be interesting to see how the Falcons use Walker, Pearce and Floyd. Walker’s work as an off-ball linebacker at Georgia creates some possibilities for the team to use all three together, but Floyd is a 49ers cap casualty on a one-year, $10MM deal. Walker and Pearce are in place to be Atlanta’s hopeful long-term answers to one of the NFL’s longest-running problems.

Falcons’ Jalon Walker May Need Surgery

April 25th, 2025 at 6:03pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Jalon Walker was expected to be a first-round pick on Thursday night, but he fell to the Falcons at No. 15 due to concerns about a shoulder injury, according to Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline.

Atlanta will be happy to keep the versatile young linebacker in Georgia, but Walker may require surgery that could stunt his rookie year and hinder his transition to the NFL. At 6-foot-1 and 243 pounds, he was already considered an undersized edge defender by NFL standards, raising concerns about his physical upside and durability.

The Falcons may be less worried about Walker’s shoulder. They also could have taken his injury into account when they moved up 20 spots to take James Pearce with the 26th overall pick. If Walker missed part of the 2025 season due to injury, the Falcons can still count on Pearce to contribute to their pass rush right away.

Walker was long linked to the Panthers at No. 8, but they went with another top-10 talent in wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. The Jets at 7 and the Saints at 9 were also thought to be in the mix for the 21-year-old linebacker, but they both added offensive linemen.

Atlanta was widely expected to select an edge rusher with Pearce and Mike Green frequently named as likely targets. It seems the Falcons leapt at the chance to take Walker after he fell to 15, but still had such a high grade on Pearce that they jumped back into the first round for him as well.

Falcons Draft Jalon Walker At No. 15

April 24th, 2025 at 8:48pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Falcons have long been connected to targeting an edge rush addition in the first round. To no surprise, then, hybrid Georgia linebacker/pass rusher Jalon Walker is heading to Atlanta. We’ve known for a while that Atlanta was eager to make improvements all over the defense, so they’ll have their chance to decide how to utilize him in the NFL, but they did announce Walker as a “defensive end” when making their selection.

During his time with the Bulldogs, Walker spent time all over the defense. Coming into his final year of collegiate play, Walker’s time as an edge rusher outweighed his time as an off-ball linebacker, but in 2024, he played in the box more than he did the edge. He has incredible potential at both positions, but it sounds like the Falcons intend to tap into his pass rushing potential.

In Atlanta, Walker should slot in across from another former Bulldog in Leonard Floyd. The Falcons finished with the second-lowest sack total in the NFL last year, so Walker’s abilities will be very welcome among the edge rushing group. He’ll work against Arnold Ebiketie for pass rushing snaps, but even if he fails to secure a starting role there, he has the potential to be an upgrade in the linebacking corps, as well.

The Falcons have plenty of time now to see just exactly where Walker can do the most good on their defense. Atlanta should feel extremely fortunate that a likely top 10 talent fell to them at 15th overall.

Ely Allen contributed to this post.

Draft Notes: Jets, Panthers, Warren, Cousins

April 24th, 2025 at 6:53pm CST by Adam La Rose

Set to select seventh overall, the Jets sit in an interesting position as things stand. A number of options will be available to the new regime of Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn, many of which have already been mentioned.

Another one has emerged as the countdown to the first round nears its end. SNY’s Connor Hughes reports receiver Tetairoa McMillan has specifically been named as a potential target. The Arizona product has seen his stock shift over the course of the pre-draft process, but hearing his name called early tonight remains a distinct possibility.

Glenn has been reported to be pushing a defensive addition on Day 1, but Hughes notes the selection of an offensive lineman or a skill-position player remains the focus of attention around the team. Right tackle represents a need, while selecting a receiver or tight end would add to an offense which has undergone plenty of changes this offseason. If McMillan is on the board at No. 7, it will be interesting to see how the team proceeds. A pursuit of running back Ashton Jeanty – the subject of trade-up efforts by the Bears – meanwhile, should not be expected, ESPN’s Rich Cimini adds.

Here are some other last-minute draft notes:

For now, at least, the Panthers are scheduled to select after the Jets. Trading down has long loomed as a possibility for general manager Dan Morgan, and that remains the case at this point. If Carolina stays at No. 8, The Athletic’s Joe Person reports Jalon Walker is still the “presumed pick” as things stand. That comes as no surprise given the long-running links to the Georgia linebacker/edge rusher. Otherwise, Person names Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham as an option, along with McMillan if the team is moved toward an offensive addition.
Tyler Warren is considered one of two first-round locks at the tight end spot. He is a strong candidate to be drafted in the top 10 as a result, but teams outside that range are interested as well. The Colts are among them, per Hughes. That comes as no surprise, given the constant connections made between Indianapolis and the team targeting a TE move with Warren or Michigan’s Colston Loveland. The Colts own pick No. 14, so a trade up the board would be required for Warren in particular.
Moves up and down the order have reportedly received consideration in the case of the Broncos. The latest update on that front comes from Person’s colleague Dianna Russini, who reports Denver is looking to trade up from No. 20. A running back or other skill-position player could be the target of such a move, depending on where in the order the team lands. Since the Broncos own the pick one spot before the Steelers (a potential QB landing spot), they will remain a team to watch closely in any event.
How things shake out at the quarterback position will be key as it pertains to Kirk Cousins. The veteran looms as an option for teams which are unable to select a rookie this weekend as he seeks a fresh start and starting opportunity. Underdog Fantasy’s James Palmer reports Cousins could waive his no-trade clause as early as tomorrow based on the QB landscape at that point. Day 2 looms as a time when many teams could add signal-callers, however, and Palmer adds a more likely scenario would be for the one-year Falcons passer to wait until after the first three rounds take place to decide on how he wants to proceed. Cousins, 36, wants to avoid a repeat of how Atlanta operated last offseason but by the end of the draft there could of course be few (if any) suitors left in need of a short-term addition under center.

Jets, Saints In Mix For Jalon Walker; Panthers Remain High On LB

April 24th, 2025 at 9:04am CST by Sam Robinson

Recovering from a quad injury during the pre-draft process, Jalon Walker‘s stock has been climbing since his recent belated pro day. The Georgia linebacker seems a safe bet to become a top-10 pick.

Mentioned as a potential Patriots wild-card pick at No. 4 overall, Walker has not received as much buzz about a Foxborough destination compared to LSU tackle Will Campbell. If the Pats do end up filling their LT need at 4, it should not be expected Walker falls far. A few other top-10 teams are closely monitoring Georgia’s top 2025 prospect.

While Ashton Jeanty seems a safe bet not to fall past No. 6, as a run of Jaguars and Raiders rumors have circulated, Las Vegas has also been connected to bolstering its O-line at No. 6. A hybrid player who has operated as an edge rusher and off-ball linebacker, Walker could conceivably be on the Raiders’ radar too. After all, this week represents is the smokescreen Super Bowl, but he is primarily being tied to the teams holding picks from Nos. 7-9.

The Panthers, who did not make a strong effort to replace Brian Burns last year, have probably been the team most closely linked to Walker. Although Carolina did not send a large contingent to Walker’s Athens pro day earlier this month, The Athletic’s Joe Person indicates NFL personnel believe Dan Morgan and Dave Canales remain high on the intriguing front-seven piece. It is possible, however, Walker fails to reach No. 8. The Jets have been tied to O-linemen or potentially Tyler Warren at No. 7, but ESPN.com’s Matt Miller projects them to draft Walker. While the team certainly needs more help on offense compared to defense, Miller points to the team eyeing an impact defender and culture fit — ahead of Aaron Glenn‘s first season in charge — in Round 1.

Considering the growing buzz on Walker, the Saints might need to look elsewhere at No. 9. But they are believed to be in on Walker as well, per NFL.com’s Jane Slater. New Orleans, however, has also done plenty of work on Michigan DT Mason Graham and Arizona wideout Tetairoa McMillan, Slater adds. Warren has also come up here, per Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz.

Graham no longer looks likely to go to the Jaguars at 5, and while Michigan alums are now running the Raiders (which is something to monitor re: a D-tackle pick at 6), the player who has long been viewed as this draft’s top interior presence could fall toward the lower end of the top 10.

The Saints picked up Chris Olave‘s fifth-year option Wednesday, and they have Rashid Shaheed coming back from injury to join the returning Brandin Cooks. New Orleans has been on the radar for a first-round receiver in recent years, however.

The team also doled out a $10.25MM-per-year deal to retain Juwan Johnson, while Foster Moreau and Taysom Hill remain rostered at tight end. Hill, of course, roves around the formation and is now going into an age-35 season (and coming off an injury). Warren coming off a 1,200-yard season also has enticed teams; the Penn State tight end should not need to wait too long tonight.

AFC East Notes: Patriots, Bills, Banks

April 22nd, 2025 at 9:23pm CST by Sam Robinson

Consistently given Will Campbell in mock drafts (including ours), the Patriots may not be locked into the left tackle the way the Titans are with Cam Ward at No. 1. Eleventh-hour Pats connections to Georgia hybrid defender Jalon Walker are emerging, via Sportskeeda.com’s Tony Pauline. Mike Vrabel has mentioned left tackle as a place the draft can provide an answer, and Pats-Campbell ties have persisted during the pre-draft process. Several reports have suggested the LSU product will be the Patriot pick. Walker recently auditioned for scouts, and Pauline adds the Pats sent a sizable contingent to a workout that also featured Georgia EDGE Mykel Williams. Pats brass soon dined with Walker, Pauline adds.

Showing the ability to be an edge defender and off-ball linebacker, Walker is expected to go off the board early. The Pats, who inquired about Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby this offseason, came up previously in connection to passing on Campbell to draft a pass rusher. With Abdul Carter likely going to Cleveland or New York, New England would be shut out from this draft’s top prospect tier at 4. Campbell should probably still be considered the favorite to go fourth overall, but it is not a lock.

Here is the latest from the AFC East:

Also viewing Campbell as the Pats’ most likely pick, SI.com’s Albert Breer mentions Walker as a wild card. But the veteran reporter also points to a New England desire to accumulate more draft capital — even if it is unable to move off No. 4 (in a draft without a QB prompting aggressive trade-up offers like last year’s brought for the Pats). Kayshon Boutte, months after voicing frustration with his role, could be a player the team would consider moving to acquire an extra pick. Two years remain on the 2023 sixth-round receiver’s rookie contract.
Having seen four teammates (Khalil Shakir, Gregory Rousseau, Terrel Bernard, Christian Benford) receive early-offseason extension, James Cook is not joining his teammates for the start of the Bills‘ offseason program, Brandon Beane confirmed (via The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia) Tuesday. Cook skipping voluntary work is not surprising; he has been upfront about his desire for an upper-crust extension this offseason. The Bills have viewed the breakout RB as a core player, but it remains to be seen if they will give the multipurpose back a deal in the $15MM-AAV range. Early talks have not brought progress. One season remains on Cook’s contract. While the Bills did pay former Day 2 picks Devin Singletary or Zack Moss, Cook has been a better player and is one of this year’s top extension candidates.
Extending Bernard and keeping Matt Milano via a pay-cut agreement, the Bills are in decent shape at linebacker. They are still being mentioned (via Schefter) as a team that could use a premium draft pick on the position. Holding the No. 30 overall choice, Buffalo is being tied to UCLA LB Carson Schwesinger. Milano having missed the bulk of the past two seasons does give Buffalo a bit of a need here, but the team has been more closely tied to other defensive positions in Round 1.
Another injury-prone player who once earned All-Pro acclaim in Buffalo, Tre’Davious White is back. Discarded in 2024, White spent the season with the Rams and Ravens. Although White has seen the injury trouble move him off the surefire starter tier, he has another chance in Buffalo. He said (via ESPN.com’s Alaina Getzenberg) following the Ravens’ divisional-round loss to the Bills that he began letting the team know he was interested in returning. At 30, White now profiles as a flier for a Bills team likely still looking for CB help.
The Dolphins have done plenty of D-tackle work leading up to this draft, but ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter also links Texas tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. to Miami at No. 13. Banks’ stock looks to have climbed late, as he has been tied to going as high as the Raiders at No. 6 or the Jets at 7. Miami has Patrick Paul prepared to replace Terron Armstead, as Austin Jackson remains at RT.

Georgia Defenders Making Early First-Round Connections

April 19th, 2025 at 3:13pm CST by Ely Allen

The University of Georgia has been a pipeline for first-round defensive talent in the past several years. Since 2016, 11 Bulldogs have been selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, including in 2022 when No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker was joined by four other defensive teammates in the first round. This year Jalon Walker, Mykel Williams, and Malaki Starks have been noted as potential first-rounders coming out of Athens, and as potential edge defenders, Walker and Williams are likely to hear their names called in the first half of Day 1.

As they continue to draw interest from multiple teams in the top 16, two teams seem to be zoning in on the teammates; the Panthers have been repeatedly linked to Walker, while the Falcons are heavily monitoring Williams. In fact, in the last day of pre-draft visits earlier this week, Williams spent his time in the Falcons’ building, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. Atlanta has been repeatedly linked to the possibility of drafting a defensive player in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft and, needing help on the edge, Williams and his mid-first-round projection make a lot of sense.

It was also announced, by ESPN’s Jordan Reid, that Walker and Williams would be holding a private workout for NFL scouts and executives this past Friday at Georgia’s indoor facility. Each player only participated in position drills throughout the workout, which is notable because Walker only measured at the NFL Scouting Combine and Georgia’s pro day, not doing any timing or testing. Williams, likewise, only measured at the combine, but did run and time at the Bulldogs’ pro day.

The Falcons maintained their link to Williams, sending both assistant general manager Kyle Smith and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich to Athens for the players’ workout yesterday, per Josh Kendall of The Athletic. The Panthers, on the other hand, were not in attendance as, according to Joe Person of The Athletic, they remained in draft meetings and “seem to have seen all they need to from the Georgia linebacker.”

Based on rumors and fit, we recently projected Walker to Carolina and Williams to Atlanta in our 2025 NFL Mock Draft. We’re just five days away from finding out just how serious each team’s interest is in the respective defensive prospects.

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