Georgia’s dominance in college football continues to translate into NFL success, and this year’s draft was no exception. Among the standout selections was linebacker **Jalon Walker**, who was picked **15th overall by the Atlanta Falcons** [A](https://www.dawgnation.com/football/nfl-dawgs/kirk-herbstreit-nick-saban-weigh-georgia-draft-picks-hes-going-be-best-defensive-player/VW7LZWNVYRDF7BB7L4L6GVYGPU/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ6bkQybWREYUpoN2JBdUp3VVNOeEYiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiekNFRXlwa01vRXF2bmVoNlV0NEhUIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmRhd2duYXRpb24uY29tXC9mb290YmFsbFwvbmZsLWRhd2dzXC9raXJrLWhlcmJzdHJlaXQtbmljay1zYWJhbi13ZWlnaC1nZW9yZ2lhLWRyYWZ0LXBpY2tzLWhlcy1nb2luZy1iZS1iZXN0LWRlZmVuc2l2ZS1wbGF5ZXJcL1ZXN0xaV05WWVJERjdCQjdMNEw2R1ZZR1BVXC8ifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His selection drew high praise from two of football’s most respected voices—**Kirk Herbstreit** and **Nick Saban**—both of whom believe Walker has the potential to be the best defensive player in his rookie class.
### **Herbstreit’s Bold Prediction**
ESPN analyst **Kirk Herbstreit** didn’t hold back in his assessment of Walker’s talent. During the draft broadcast, he confidently stated that Walker has the tools to win **NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year** [B](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/kirk-herbstreit-predicts-rookie-during-121813943.html?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ6bkQybWREYUpoN2JBdUp3VVNOeEYiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiekNFRXlwa01vRXF2bmVoNlV0NEhUIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzLnlhaG9vLmNvbVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwva2lyay1oZXJic3RyZWl0LXByZWRpY3RzLXJvb2tpZS1kdXJpbmctMTIxODEzOTQzLmh0bWwifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Herbstreit highlighted Walker’s versatility, explosiveness, and ability to play multiple roles on defense.
“You can only imagine what Atlanta will do with him and the skill set that he brings,” Herbstreit said. “I think he’s going to be the best defensive player out of his rookie class when he gets a chance to get on the field.”
Herbstreit emphasized that Walker’s **size (245 pounds)** is not a concern, as his athleticism and instincts make him a force to be reckoned with. His ability to rush the passer, drop into coverage, and disrupt plays makes him a valuable asset for the Falcons.
### **Saban’s Comparison to Micah Parsons**
Few coaches know defense better than **Nick Saban**, and his evaluation of Walker was equally glowing. Saban, who coached against Walker in the **2023 SEC Championship Game**, saw firsthand the impact the linebacker could have on a game.
“I think this guy’s got a lot of diversity as a player,” Saban said. “I do think he’s the best on the edge. But he’s a great athlete. This guy’s smart. Has really good character. He’s really instinctive.”
Saban went a step further, comparing Walker to **Micah Parsons**, the Dallas Cowboys’ star linebacker known for his relentless pass-rushing ability. “He’s a Micah Parsons type of player. Violent, relentless rusher. I think this guy’s going to be an outstanding player in Atlanta,” Saban added [C](https://247sports.com/college/georgia/article/jalon-walker-atlanta-falcons-nfl-draft-kirk-herbstreit-nick-saban-espn-249239066/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ6bkQybWREYUpoN2JBdUp3VVNOeEYiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiekNFRXlwa01vRXF2bmVoNlV0NEhUIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvMjQ3c3BvcnRzLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvZ2VvcmdpYVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwvamFsb24td2Fsa2VyLWF0bGFudGEtZmFsY29ucy1uZmwtZHJhZnQta2lyay1oZXJic3RyZWl0LW5pY2stc2FiYW4tZXNwbi0yNDkyMzkwNjZcLyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### **Walker’s Impact on the Falcons**
Walker’s arrival in Atlanta is historic—he is the **first Georgia player drafted by the Falcons in the first or second round** [B](https://sports.yahoo.com/article/kirk-herbstreit-predicts-rookie-during-121813943.html?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiJ6bkQybWREYUpoN2JBdUp3VVNOeEYiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiekNFRXlwa01vRXF2bmVoNlV0NEhUIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BvcnRzLnlhaG9vLmNvbVwvYXJ0aWNsZVwva2lyay1oZXJic3RyZWl0LXByZWRpY3RzLXJvb2tpZS1kdXJpbmctMTIxODEzOTQzLmh0bWwifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1) since 1966. His college resume speaks for itself:
– **2024 Butkus Award winner** (nation’s top linebacker)
– **Led Georgia in tackles for loss and sacks**
– **First-team All-American selection**
With his combination of speed, power, and football IQ, Walker is expected to make an immediate impact on the Falcons’ defense. His ability to disrupt plays and pressure quarterbacks will be crucial for Atlanta as they look to strengthen their defensive unit.
### **A Future Star in the Making**
With endorsements from Herbstreit and Saban, expectations for Walker are sky-high. If he lives up to the comparisons and predictions, he could become one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL. Falcons fans have every reason to be excited—Walker’s **draft night destiny** may just be the beginning of a legendary career.
