Jalon Walker continues to be the popular first-round projection for the Carolina Panthers.
The University of Georgia linebacker was once again connected to the Panthers in the latest mock draft from NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah. He writes of his choice for Carolina and the eighth overall pick:
The Panthers have needs all over the defensive side of the ball and could be an obvious trade-down candidate if someone wants to make a move up the board. If they stay put, Walker would be a versatile playmaker for them. He offers enormous upside as a pass rusher.
Walker was utilized as both a pass rusher and an off-ball linebacker at Georgia. This past season saw the Salisbury, N.C. native record 60 combined tackles, 6.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries and two passes defensed over 14 games.
Those efforts earned Walker the 2024 Butkus Award as well as a first-team All-American nod and a second-team All-SEC selection.