The Carolina Panthers looked to improve their pass rush in free agency after finishing the year 31st in pressures and tied for 30th in sacks. They added Patrick Jones II, fortifying their top three EDGE rushers with Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum. However, the Panthers still need to address their depth at EDGE since Clowney and Wonnum enter the final year of their respective deals, and both will hit free agency in 2026.
Also, the defense could use some extra help at linebacker with the departure of Shaq Thompson. Trevin Wallace is expected to replace their veteran defender as the starting linebacker. Wallace showed flashes as a rookie, but the front office may still bring in competition in the upcoming draft.
Also Read: Carolina Panthers: Longest-Tenured Defender to Enter Free Agency After 10 Seasons
Carolina Panthers hosted intriguing do-everything defender
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Nov 16, 2024; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jalon Walker (11) reacts after a tackle against the Tennessee Volunteers in the third quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
According to Joe Person of The Athletic, the Panthers hosted Georgia Bulldogs do-everything linebacker Jalon Walker on a local visit. His recent visit doesn’t count as a Top-30 visit because he is from North Carolina. Walker is an intriguing prospect because he plays multiple positions on defense with the ability to rush the passer as an EDGE rusher, cover in the slot, and play as an off-ball linebacker.
Georgia LB Jalon Walker and South Carolina S Nick Emmanwori both were in the Panthers’ building in recent weeks on local visits, per league source.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) March 31, 2025
He had a great career with Georgia
Georgia Bulldogs, Jalon Walker
Dec 7, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jalon Walker (11) reacts after defeating the Texas Longhorns in overtime in the 2024 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Jalon Walker committed to the Georgia Bulldogs as a five-star recruit for the 2022 season. Walker had a great career with Georgia, recording 89 tackles, 19 TFLs, 12.5 sacks, three pass deflections, and one forced fumble in 43 games. His accolades include winning the Dick Butkus Award for best linebacker, Second-Team All-SEC, and Third-Team All-American in 2024.
Walker had a great junior season, boasting career highs in tackles, TFLs, pressures, stops, sacks, and pass deflections. He recorded 60 tackles, 11 TFLs, 31 stops, 34 pressures, 6.5 sacks, and two pass deflections in 14 games and 249 run defense, 195 pass rush, and 178 coverage snaps. He also posted a 67.5 coverage grade, an 83.6 pass rush grade, a 62.3 run defense grade, and a 73.1 overall PFF grade.
Here’s Lance Zierlein’s scouting report on Jalon Walker
NFL Scouting Combine, jalon Walker
Feb 26, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker (LB28) during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
“Some see Walker as a “tweener” while others view him as a “hybrid.” 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.”
Zierlein predicts that Walker will become a good starter within his first two years in the NFL.
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