Latest news with #JalonWalker
USA Today
15 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Falcons' first-round pick among highest-rated rookies in Madden 26
Falcons rookie LB Jalon Walker's Madden 26 rating revealed The Atlanta Falcons walked away from the 2025 NFL draft with a projected top-10 pick in Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker. The former Bulldog filled a massive need for the Falcons, who also drafted Tennessee's James Pearce Jr. later in the first round. Walker split time as an edge rusher and off-ball linebacker in college, which may have hurt his draft stock enough to fall out of the top 10. However, the developers over at EA Sports still view the rookie as a top talent. Madden NFL 26 revealed its ratings for the top 10 rookies ahead of the 2025 season. Walker, who was drafted 15th overall, earned the sixth-best rookie rating (79 overall) from Madden. Madden NFL 26: 10 highest-rated rookies Walker's former teammate, Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams, was the ninth-highest-rated rookie in Madden 26. Williams was drafted four spots ahead of Walker, going to the San Francisco 49ers with the 11th overall pick. Jaguars wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter is the game's highest-rated rookie, earning an 84 overall rating. Pearce's rating is still a mystery since the former Volunteers standout was not among the game's 10 highest-rated rookies.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Falcons predicted to trade for $1.25 million Browns run-stopper to add veteran help
The Atlanta Falcons seem to believe they've figured things out offensively with all the essential pieces now in place. That's why they've gone hard the last two years beefing up the other side of the ball. The Falcons have made six draft additions to their defensive front during that span. Last year's additions haven't quite worked out just yet, which is why they used not one, but two first-round picks in this year's draft — selecting Jalon Walker at No. 15 and James Pearce Jr. later at No. 26. Still, some of the Falcons' lingering issues on the defensive front could persist this season. Not only is Atlanta banking on second-year unknowns and rookies, but they'll be without veteran Grady Jarrett, who was cut this offseason. That leaves the door open for veteran help up front. AOL's Jordan O'Malley suggests one last-minute trade the Falcons could make before training camp is acquiring veteran defensive lineman Shelby Harris. 'Harris isn't a star, but he's a dependable veteran run-stopper, and that's exactly what Atlanta lacks in the middle,' O'Malley wrote. 'Atlanta's run defense ranked 26th in 2024, and their current interior group needs more experience. Harris would slot in immediately and bring toughness and leadership to a defensive line that needs both.' Harris will be entering his 11th NFL season. He's compiled 27.5 sacks and five forced fumbles throughout his career. He missed three games last season with an elbow injury. Financially, the move makes sense: the Falcons have just under $5 million in cap space, per Over The Cap, and Harris is owed $1.255 million in 2025. Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp The Falcons' run defense left something to be desired last year. Statistically, they were around league average — ranking 15th in total rushing yards allowed (2,051), and surrendering 120.6 rushing yards per game. But the real problem came in critical moments. Opponents converted third downs 45.3% of the time, ranking Atlanta's defense 31st in the league. Falcons beat writer Tori McElhaney addressed these concerns directly while responding to a fan question about whether the team had done enough to fix its rush defense. 'Truth be told, it is a question I have myself. Because you're right that they are sticking with their own. And their own are in a little bit of uncharted waters at the moment. In fact, there are still a number of questions I have about Orhorhoro and the mantel he will take on in 2025, as well as the defensive front as a whole. Is Orhorhoro ready for the challenge presented? Can Zach Harrison emerge as a trusted playmaker (more on this in the next section)? How do new presences off the edge affect run defense numbers (i.e. how quickly can Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. make their presence known)? If better on first and second down, how does this improve pass rush stats?' Again, all the confidence in the 2025 Falcons is on the offensive side of the ball. The defense — not so much.
USA Today
11-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
NFL analyst identifies Atlanta Falcons' biggest remaining need
CBS Sports suggests one final offseason move for Atlanta With the Atlanta Falcons set to begin training camp on July 24, they still have some time to make last-minute roster tweaks. Last offseason, general manager Terry Fontenot made two late-summer additions to bring in linebacker Matthew Judon and safety Justin Simmons. While we wouldn't rule out the team making another move or two, Atlanta's lack of salary cap space could make that difficult to accomplish. It seems more likely that they will stand pat with their current roster to begin training camp. The Falcons deserve some credit for addressing their pass rush and secondary, but only time will tell if they did enough to end their seven-year playoff drought. If Atlanta were to make another move, what would it be? CBS Sports highlighted each team's biggest remaining need, suggesting the Falcons add another cornerback before the 2025 NFL season begins: Atlanta left little to chance this year when it came to investing in its pass rush. After initially drafting Georgia's Jalon Walker No. 15 overall, the Falcons sacrificed a 2026 first-round pick to move back up for Tennessee's James Pearce Jr. A cornerback opposite A.J. Terrell is now the focal point with wide receiver also garnering consideration. -- Josh Edwards, CBS Sports The Falcons re-signed veteran Mike Hughes to a three-year, $18 million contract to start opposite Terrell in 2025. The former first-round pick isn't exactly a Pro Bowl-caliber cornerback, but he held his own for the most part last season. Pro Football Focus even labeled Hughes as the team's best free-agent signing of the 2025 offseason. "While this deal isn't the splash in the secondary the Falcons needed, it's undoubtedly an excellent value signing to capitalize on Hughes' improved play," wrote PFF's Mason Cameron. "He allowed a career-best 0.90 yards per coverage snap in 2024 and brings positional flexibility should he regress." Hughes could also benefit from Atlanta's improved pass rush. The team selected Georgia's Jalon Walker and Tennessee edge James Pearce Jr. in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft. The Falcons could also look to former fourth-round pick Clark Phillips III to step up if Hughes struggles this season. Ultimately, Atlanta has less than $5 million in salary cap space available -- per Over The Cap -- which probably isn't enough to acquire a starting-caliber cornerback in free agency. - Check out our latest Falcons 53-man roster projection ahead of training camp
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
A Kirk Cousins Countdown, A Defense With A Bite, And Weapons Finally Utilized Proves Vital For The Atlanta Falcons
A Kirk Cousins Countdown, A Defense With A Bite, And Weapons Finally Utilized Proves Vital For The Atlanta Falcons originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Atlanta Falcons have gone all in for the 2025 season, and anything less than a playoff appearance could trigger significant changes across the organization next offseason. Advertisement After Atlanta was aggressive in the 2025 NFL Draft in picking up Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. in the first round, it will look to become more assertive and a turnover-hungry team after falling short in several defensive categories over the past few years. By adding names like Leonard Floyd, Divine Deablo, Xavier Watts, and Billy Bowman in the draft, the Falcons have become a more violent/athletic unit that will look to put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Falcons players warm up during the 2025 Atlanta Falcons mini-camp. Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Questions still linger about Kirk Cousins, after he was brought in last offseason to be a bridge to a Super Bowl ring. Although he will be coming off the bench unless Michael Penix Jr. suffers an injury, at least Atlanta still has a quarterback who is considered a top-10 efficient leader with experience, and not to mention, a great teammate to have in the locker room. Most teams would be ecstatic to have Cousins as a backup option. For years, Atlanta has either misused or underutilized its talent, particularly at the wide receiver and tight end positions. That is no longer the case with names like Drake London, Darnell Mooney, Ray-Ray McCloud, and, yes, even Kyle Pitts, scheduled to rack up the targets. Falcons fans can expect more carries from Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier as a two-headed star duo out of the backfield as well. Advertisement The time for Atlanta to win is now; the front office has opened its wallets, the schedule is favorable at specific points, and the NFC South is wide open. On paper, it all means nothing, but regardless of Raheem Morris being a beloved figure in the locker room, unfortunately, his time may dwindle to an end if Atlanta doesn't become a contender soon. Related: Florida Community Honors Michael Penix Jr. By Naming Street After Him Related: Falcons Legend Warrick Dunn Changed Lives On And Off The Field This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
05-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Look: Falcons rookie Jalon Walker works out with former Georgia teammate
Former Georgia teammates Jalon Walker and Nolan Smith post workout video For years, the Atlanta Falcons were criticized for passing on Georgia players in the draft. That finally changed when the team selected Bulldogs linebacker Jalon Walker in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft. Walker is the first Bulldogs player ever taken by the Falcons in the first or second round. The versatile edge rusher is expected to help fix Atlanta's underwhelming pass rush this season. While training camp is still a few weeks away, Walker is making sure to stay in shape. The NFL's social media account posted a video of Walker working out with his former Georgia teammate, Nolan Smith, on the Fourth of July. Watch: Falcons LB Jalon Walker, Eagles LB Nolan Smith work out Falcons head coach Raheem Morris praised Walker for having "captain-like traits" during the team's mandatory minicamp. "He has like those captain-like traits," Morris said of Walker. "When you first meet him, you get that feel, you get that vibe from him. He'll be one of those guys that you can tell is gonna lead us in the future." After finishing 31st in the NFL with 31 sacks last season, Walker, along with fellow rookie James Pearce Jr., will look to elevate the unit in 2025. Atlanta's rookies and veterans will report for training camp on July 23, with the team's first open practice coming on July 24.
