The Atlanta Falcons are maintaining a deliberate approach to Jalon Walker’s development as he enters his second season, according to comments made by team officials on May 20. Despite expectations for the versatile defender following his selection as the No. 8 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, coaches say they want him to first master playing on the edge.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said, “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. Give him an opportunity just to have one home initially and become as good as he can at that.” Ulbrich also said managing Walker’s workload was intentional during his rookie year and emphasized focusing on a single position despite Walker’s versatility.
The departure of linebacker Kaden Elliss this offseason left a gap in Atlanta’s defense. While Ulbrich previously said replacing Elliss would require more than one player, speculation has grown about whether Walker could fill multiple roles. However, during recent organized team activities open to media observation, Walker continued working exclusively with edge rushers during drills and did not participate in inside linebacker duties.
After practice, Walker addressed questions about his responsibilities entering Year 2: “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 conversations are ongoing regarding expanding his role: “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.”
Walker battled a hamstring injury last season but showed improvement after returning to full health: “Unfortunately, last year, I did battle an injury,” he said. “Once I got over that hump, that’s all I needed… Each opportunity I get on the field I just go to the full maximum.” The 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.