The preseason is an ideal alternative for terrific athletes to hone their talent set and develop the self-discipline wanted to excel within the NFL. Atlanta Falcons followers have been excited to see what rookie linebacker Jalon Walker might do on Friday night time versus the Tennessee Titans coming off a shaky debut. Effectively, a lot to their disappointment, the No. 15 choice within the NFL Draft didn’t swimsuit up inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, per Falcons reporter Tori McElhaney.
Walker had been nursing a hamstring damage earlier in coaching camp, so the priority could be that he sustained a setback. Nonetheless, on condition that the group has invested a first-round choose within the former Georgia star, it’s doable Atlanta is simply taking precautionary measures. He can have one final alternative to expertise in-game motion earlier than the common season begins, because the squad travels to AT&T Stadium for an exhibition matchup versus the Dallas Cowboys.
The Falcons want firepower on the sting
The All-American, who served as a hybrid edge rusher/off-ball LB in Athens, struggled to impose his will towards the Detroit Lions’ offensive line within the preseason opener. He completed his abbreviated outing with just one deal with. Atlanta desperately desires to carry extra stress into opposing backfields in the course of the 2025-26 marketing campaign, and Walker and fellow 2025 first-rounder James Pearce Jr. determine to be a giant a part of that blueprint.
The Falcons should hit on not less than one in all these pass-rushers, in any other case they’ll fail to capitalize on any benefits their gifted offense provides them. Counting on a rookie is hard, although, contemplating this crew is underneath stress to finish its seven-year playoffs dry spell. Tremendous Bowl champion Leonard Floyd and Arnold Ebiketie should maintain their very own on the surface whereas Walker and Pearce discover their means.
Atlanta begins its season at house towards the four-time reigning NFC South champions, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jalon Walker has simply over three weeks to get himself bodily and mentally prepared for that marquee matchup. He totaled six and a half sacks, two fumble recoveries and 37 solo tackles for the Bulldogs final season.