Players such as Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. are versatile and can disrupt the quarterback on every down. Walker views himself as an alpha already on defense and will make an immediate/impactful presence there. He has already drawn comparisons to Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys.

The Atlanta Falcons entered the 2025 NFL Draft with five picks over the three-day draft, and added to their defense with each of their first four selections. In the first round Thursday, the Falcons selected Georgia edge rusher Jalon Walker with the No.

ATLANTA -- The 2025 NFL draft (8 p.m. ET on ESPN, ABC, ESPN App) began Thursday and is being held in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Atlanta Falcons bolster their defense in Round 1 with Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker at No. 15, then traded with the Rams to land James Pearce Jr. at No. 26.