The Atlanta Falcons continued to take a measured approach with Jalon Walker’s role on May 20, as the team evaluates how best to utilize his versatility in his second professional season. Selected eighth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, Walker was recognized for his ability to play multiple positions at the University of Georgia, but defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said after last year’s draft that he wanted Walker to focus on mastering the edge rusher position first.
“On first and second down, I want, especially Jalon, to really have an opportunity to just master playing on the edge because I think that there’s something there that’s really special,” Ulbrich said. “Give him an opportunity just to have one home initially and become as good as he can at that.”
Ulbrich managed Walker’s workload during his rookie year despite widespread expectations about his versatility. The Falcons had Kaden Elliss filling various roles across the front seven, but Elliss departed for New Orleans this offseason. While some observers questioned whether multiple players would be needed to replace Elliss or if Walker could fill that gap alone, Ulbrich reiterated a patient approach regarding changes in Walker’s responsibilities.
During organized team activities this week—the first open session for media observation—Walker worked exclusively with edge rushers and did not take snaps at inside linebacker even as other linebackers were sidelined. After practice, Walker addressed questions about expanding his duties: “Just the edge. Nothing has changed in that realm,” he said. “We’re getting better every day, learning that edge spot. My craft sharpens every day being on the edge.” He added that discussions are ongoing about moving him around: “I feel like we have talked about many ways to move me around along our defensive front… But I am just happy for the evolution being there with Brich going throughout the year. So, we’ll see more (once) we’re getting towards training camp.”
Last season, a hamstring injury limited Walker early before he returned and made progress as a pass rusher late in 2025. Reflecting on overcoming injury and seizing opportunities when healthy, Walker said, “Unfortunately, last year, I did battle an injury… Each opportunity I get on the field I just go to the full maximum.”
The Atlanta Falcons compete in the National Football League’s NFC South division and are based in Atlanta, Georgia; they began play as an expansion team in 1965 and advanced twice to the Super Bowl—in 1998 and 2016—according to their official website.
