Since it’s never too early to get excited about the NFL Draft, this weekly series will take a closer look at some of the prospects the Carolina Panthers could select in the 2025 iteration of the draft. In this series, we will only look at prospects that the Panthers could seriously consider. This week our profile focuses on Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jalon Walker.

Since the Panthers are all but certain of getting a quarterback in the first round at this point, let’s widen our net a bit and look at a player who could be a late first-rounder or an early second-rounder. Salisbury, North Carolina native Jalon Walker fits that bill. He has shown some versatility at the linebacker position, both as an inside linebacker and as a pass rusher. He has become an important part of the Bulldogs’ dominant defense. He also shows up when it counts: He recorded two sacks and five quarterback hurries during the 2023 SEC Championship Game against Alabama. He has already accumulated 4.5 sacks this season, just half a sack shy of his career high from last season.

Walker is an exceptional athlete and has great size for the linebacker position (6’2″, 245 lbs). His versatility and motor skills make him a favorite of defensive coaches, allowing them to move him all over the field and to confuse offenses. Walker is a strong tackler with a high football IQ, and his solid coverage skills coupled with his athleticism make him a weapon in coverage as well. Most hits against Walker are due to his lack of experience his play recognition can be a little inconsistent, but that’s a minor thing. He also needs to improve his coverage skills, which aren’t bad, to really take his overall game to the next level. Otherwise, he could be more of an edge defender at the NFL level If he fulfills his potential, he could become a similar player to former Panthers linebacker Frankie Luvu. Luvu was able to play inside and outside of linebacker, and although his coverage was limited, he had a knack for making dynamic plays against him Run and pass rusher. Walker could absolutely have a similar impact.

What do you think, Panthers fans? If Jalon Walker is available when the Panthers select in the 2025 NFL Draft, should they take him? Sound off in the comments!