NFL analyst sticks with rising Georgia Bulldog in latest mock for Panthers

The 2025 NFL Draft may still be a few weeks away, but with each passing day, predictions continue to solidify and the stock of certain prospects rises. One name consistently climbing the draft boards is Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jalon Walker. A versatile, explosive playmaker who has impressed scouts and coaches alike with his performance in Athens, Walker has become a hot commodity for NFL teams looking to upgrade their defense. One NFL analyst in particular has remained steadfast in projecting him to the Carolina Panthers, and as each mock rolls out, that connection seems more realistic.

The analyst in question—ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., a longtime figurehead in the NFL Draft world—has repeatedly mocked Jalon Walker to Carolina, citing the linebacker’s athleticism, leadership, and disruptive presence on defense as a perfect match for what the Panthers need. For a team like Carolina that has gone through significant change and struggled defensively in recent years, a player like Walker represents both an investment in future leadership and immediate impact.

The Georgia Bulldog pipeline to the NFL has been flowing strong in recent drafts. Names like Travon Walker, Jordan Davis, Nakobe Dean, and others have proven that Georgia’s defensive system translates well to the professional level. Now, Jalon Walker appears to be the next in line. At 6-foot-2, 245 pounds, he combines size, speed, and instinct in a way that few linebackers in recent memory have. He can rush off the edge, drop back into coverage, and blow up plays in the backfield. His 2024 campaign was his most dominant yet, finishing with 11.5 sacks, 90 total tackles, and a team-leading 18 tackles for loss.

In Kiper’s latest mock draft, he made it clear that the Panthers would be making a wise decision in selecting Walker with their top-10 pick. “There’s a lot of potential here with Walker,” Kiper wrote. “He’s still developing, but he’s already one of the most instinctive linebackers in the country. The Panthers need a foundational piece on defense, and Walker can be that guy.”

The Panthers certainly have their needs, and defense is one of them. After a rough 2024 season that saw the team finish in the bottom five for total defense, new head coach Dave Canales is looking to reestablish toughness and discipline on that side of the ball. Their pass rush was among the worst in the NFL, and while linebacker Frankie Luvu provided some spark, there wasn’t enough consistency in the front seven. Pairing Walker with emerging talent like Derrick Brown and veteran Shaq Thompson could finally give Carolina the kind of versatility and ferocity it has lacked since the days of Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis.

What makes Walker so unique in this draft class is his ability to affect the game from multiple positions. Georgia used him as an off-ball linebacker, edge rusher, and occasionally even had him shadow mobile quarterbacks. His flexibility mirrors the kind of role that players like Micah Parsons and Isaiah Simmons were projected to play coming out of college—though Walker may have more refined instincts at this stage.

For Panthers fans, the idea of landing a star-caliber defender in the first round offers a glimmer of hope during a transitional period. The team has already committed to building around young quarterback Bryce Young, so adding a defensive cornerstone could bring balance to the roster. A healthy dose of SEC toughness is something the fan base would likely welcome, especially from a program like Georgia’s, which has established itself as the gold standard for collegiate defense under head coach Kirby Smart.

Kiper is not alone in this projection, either. Other mock drafts from analysts like Todd McShay and Daniel Jeremiah have similarly connected Walker with Carolina. In his analysis, Jeremiah noted, “You need guys who can play every down and give you scheme flexibility. Walker does that, and he’s just scratching the surface of what he can be.” That notion—that Walker still has room to grow—is both terrifying for opposing offenses and enticing for general managers.

Walker’s maturity and football IQ have also drawn praise. Despite his youth, he’s been referred to as a “coach on the field” by Georgia’s defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann. His ability to read plays, align teammates, and adjust on the fly has made him a true leader of the Bulldogs’ defense. That leadership could prove invaluable in the NFL, especially for a Panthers team in need of direction and culture-setting players.

Off the field, Walker has also earned high marks. He’s been heavily involved in community initiatives in Athens and is often cited as a locker room favorite. His combination of character and athleticism makes him the kind of draft pick that teams dream about. And for Carolina, he fits a specific need while also bringing intangibles that extend beyond the stat sheet.

Another interesting angle is Walker’s ties to the southeast region. Coming from Georgia, he’s already familiar with the culture, climate, and football expectations of the Carolinas and surrounding areas. That familiarity can often help ease the transition from college to the pros, especially when it comes to media, fan expectations, and adapting to life as a professional athlete.

Walker has already shown a mature approach to the draft process. At the NFL Combine, he interviewed well and tested off the charts. He posted a 4.52-second 40-yard dash, a 37-inch vertical, and an explosive 10-foot-6 broad jump. Those numbers place him among the top athletes in his class, regardless of position. It also solidified what scouts already believed: he’s not just a good player—he’s a special athlete.

Still, some questions remain. Can Walker maintain his health over a grueling NFL season? Will he be better suited as a traditional linebacker or develop into a pass-rushing terror off the edge? These are the types of decisions that Carolina’s front office will have to make if they choose him. But most agree that Walker has what it takes to contribute immediately and grow into an elite player.

The Panthers’ draft strategy will be one of the most watched in the league this year. With multiple holes to fill and not a lot of room for error, hitting on their first-round pick is crucial. If Kiper’s consistent projection of Jalon Walker is any indication, Carolina may have already found their answer. Walker has all the tools, all the intangibles, and a hunger that NFL coaches and executives covet.

As draft night inches closer, don’t be surprised if the buzz around Walker only gets louder. His stock is soaring, and if Carolina decides to make him the face of their defensive rebuild, it could be the start of something special for both parties. In a draft loaded with offensive stars, a defender like Jalon Walker could very well end up being one of the true difference-makers of the class.

The Georgia Bulldog legacy continues to grow in the NFL, and if Jalon Walker ends up in a Panthers uniform, he could carry that tradition forward while becoming the heartbeat of a new defensive era in Carolina.