Atlanta radio host Buck Belue blast Atlanta Falcons over Jalon Walker.
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Atlanta radio host Buck Belue blast Atlanta Falcons over Jalon Walker.
The Atlanta Falcons selected University of Georgia edge linebacker Jalon Walker with the 15th-overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Falcons desperately needed help on defense, especially with the pass rush.
But, Walker only played 26 snaps in a Week 1 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And, although he graded out as an above-average tackler according to Pro Football Focus, Georgia radio host Buck Belue didn’t care for his usage.
“I don’t understand why we’re taking a first-round pick in Jalon Walker and just putting him in a position on the defense where he’s really just a glorified edge setter, on the defense,” Belue said on his show on 680 The Fan on Monday. “I mean, here’s a guy with multi-dimensional skills. This is why he was a first-round pick. Never saw him at the off-the-ball linebacker spot. Just simply on the edge at 240 pounds taking on these 350-pound offensive tackles.”
Belue thinks the Falcons should take the Jalon Walker Ferrari out of the garage
The Falcons needed pass-rush help so badly this offseason, they not only took Walker at No. 15, but they traded back up into the first round to take University of Tennessee loose-cannon James Pearce, Jr. So, it’s not like there is a lack of opportunities for Walker to be on the field.
“Did a good job of setting the edge but not putting him in a playmaker role. I don’t understand it,” Belue said. “And to me, this is part of the problem with our Falcons and the seven consecutive losing seasons.
“You’re investing in a guy that’s a top-of-the first-round pick and you’re not taking advantage of his skillset.”
Walker did a fine job tackling on Sunday and they definitely need him in that linebacker role. However, they also need pass rushing like nobody’s business. It’s not easy for a rookie to learn multiple positions, but it might be easier if he was out there more.
Jalon Walker had many talents at the University of Georgia
If any player could fill multiple roles at the NFL level, it would be a guy like Walker. Coming out of college, scouts loved his versatility and thought he could contribute right away.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com offered a pre-draft breakdown of Walker.
“Some see Walker as a “tweener” while others view him as a “hybrid,” Zierlein wrote. “Either way, Walker can go. 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.”
Walker looks like he can play and Belue might be right. It’s not a quarterback, let him play and learn on the fly. The Falcons defense was 23rd in the NFL last season, it can’t get that much worse.