Prospects that show up when the lights are brightest ultimately move the needle. Opportunities to enjoy ‘resume’ type games only come maybe once or twice a season, and performing in high-leverage matchups can often raise and further solidify a player's evaluation.
Week 8 against Texas was that and more for Georgia edge rusher Jalon Walker, who amassed eight tackles, seven pressures, three sacks, multiple TFLs, and a fumble recovery on the road against the then-No. 1 ranked Longhorns.
With headlining names in abundance along the defensive line, here are a few teams that could call Walker’s name early on night one when we get to April.
Las Vegas Raiders
Who knows what the future holds for Maxx Crosby in Vegas, and the experiment with Tyree Wilson has looked unsuccessful. With defensive-minded head coach Antonio Pierce running the show, Walker would be a culture fit whose explosiveness and toughness fit who the Raiders want to be as a football team.
While headlines will continue to surround Pierce’s group as to how they address the QB position next year, they currently sit at No. 7 overall, which may not be high enough to make a move for one of the headliners under center. Instead, they add the twitched-up, high-effort Walker with an evolving skill set and 17 pressures so far this fall.
Philadelphia Eagles
How the Eagles look up front in 2025 could be very different in comparison to how they currently align nearly midway through the 2024 campaign. Brandon Graham has already stated that 2024 will be his last season and Josh Sweat remains in a contract year, leaving Nolan Smith—a developmental piece—as their headliner at the position.
Howie Roseman has, and always will prioritize pass-rushers early in the draft process, and I don’t expect him to waver from that stance come springtime. In this scenario, Walker, another product of the Bulldogs’ pipeline for the Eagles, would immediately become their top pass rusher forming a heck of an inside-out tandem with Jalen Carter.
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals entered Week 7 last in pass rush win rate (27.6%), meaning they need more pop at EDGE. Now, there are some young pieces on the roster and I’m excited to see what the future holds for BJ Ojulari and Darius Robinson, but immediate pop is warranted if you’re Monti Ossenfort. Walker would immediately become Arizona’s most talented pass rusher since Haason Reddick and would be a welcomed addition in countering the high-flying offenses of the NFC West.
