INDIANAPOLIS — Unlike the previous two seasons, the Jets have several holes to fill this offseason.
Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker, who played four different positions in college, is the perfect selection for the Jets at seventh overall because of his versatility.
“I feel like I’m better at being that chess piece,” Walker said during his availability at the NFL Scouting Combine.
“I feel like playing multiple positions, being an inside backer, outside backer, and playing that nickel and that SAM [strong-side linebacker], increases my value and it increases the team value as well just because you never know where I will be at in the gameplan for that week.”
Walker, 21, was a Swiss Army knife for Georgia during the 2024 season. He is a hybrid player who played both as a pass rusher and an off-ball linebacker. That’s why the Salisbury, North Carolina native has a chance to be the third defensive player selected in April’s draft after Penn State’s Abdul Carter and Colorado cornerback Travis Hunter.
Walker could be in play for the Jets at No. 7, depending on where they view him at the next level. Jamien Sherwood, who led the team with (158) tackles last season, will be a free agent at the start of the new league year on March 12.
C.J. Mosley, one of the team’s captains, could be a salary cap casualty after only playing four games last season because of toe and neck injuries.
If they see Walker as an edge rusher in the NFL, the Jets could also use help there. Jermaine Johnson is still recovering from a torn Achilles he suffered in Week 2 against the Titans. Outside of Will McDonald (10.5 sacks) and Quinnen Williams (six), the Jets pass rush lacked consistency in 2024.
The Jets’ defense also took a step back last season. While the Jets finished third in yards allowed per game (313.8), they were 20th in points allowed (23.8).
“I’m a ballplayer,” Walker said. “So just being on the field is my favorite position. Just being everywhere, you just don’t know the anticipation of being at the outside backer on one snap, being an inside backer, being a STAR [hybrid linebacker/nickel cornerback], it gives me the comfort of they don’t know the element of surprise they are going to get next.”
At 6-2, 245 pounds, Walker has the size to be a factor on run and pass downs. He also has the speed and athleticism to line up in man coverage and the intelligence to perform well in zone coverages, which is not always a trait linebackers entering the NFL have.
As a freshman in 2022, Walker played sparingly as a reserve and special teams player, helping Georgia win a national championship. During his sophomore campaign, Walker was a rotational player and registered 20 tackles and five sacks.
Last season, Walker finished with 60 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks for the Bulldogs. He also received the Butkus Award as the nation’s best linebacker. He helped Georgia’s defense finish 12th in yards and 16th in points allowed (20).
Walker believes his time at Georgia under coach Kirby Smart helped prepare him for this opportunity to succeed at the NFL level.
“I appreciate his guidance and the love that he gave for me,” Walker said. “I know, time is the enemy and I know you don’t get a lot of it. So, during my time at Georgia, I had a plan for going into my junior year to make sure I was in this position.
“So, I’m taking my preparation through the preseason, going towards training, attacking it with all my effort, attacking the playbook, and making sure I’m in the best environment for myself for success going into the season.”