The Carolina Panthers’ season has come to an end, which signals the start of mock draft season. While free agency will undoubtedly shift the team’s priorities, it’s likely that the focus will be on addressing the defensive side of the ball. Head coach Dave Canales and rookie General Manager Dan Morgan took over a challenging situation and understood that rebuilding the roster would take more than one offseason. Their initial focus was maximizing Bryce Young’s potential, and that strategy paid off.
Now, the spotlight shifts to fixing a defense that struggled mightily, finishing near the bottom in virtually every major statistical category. Improving this unit will be critical as the Panthers aim to take the next step in their rebuild.
While one player can’t completely fix the Panthers’ defensive struggles, ESPN’s Mel Kiper projects that the team will kick off their rebuild by drafting a true successor to Luke Kuechly. In his latest mock draft, Kiper has the Carolina Panthers selecting Georgia’s Jalon Walker with the eighth overall pick.
Walker is a versatile defender who can play as a traditional off-ball linebacker or line up as an edge rusher. His game thrives on his speed-to-power ability, making him a disruptive force wherever he lines up. This past season, Walker recorded 6.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss, showcasing his knack for getting into the backfield and blowing up plays. His skill set would make him an excellent fit in Ejiro Evero’s defensive system.
Panthers Select Linebacker Jalon Walker In Latest Mock Draft
As noted by Kiper, Jalon Walker is a physically gifted linebacker with the versatility to line up anywhere in the formation. Despite being just 20 years old, the Georgia standout has already built an impressive résumé. His accolades include being named to the 2024 AP All-America Third Team, the Walter Camp All-America Second Team, and the AFCA All-America First Team. Most notably, he earned the 2024 Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker.
While Walker’s dominance in college is undeniable, history shows that excelling at the collegiate level doesn’t always guarantee success in the NFL. Fortunately, Walker’s game film paints the picture of a player built for professional football. He consistently displays an advanced understanding of offensive play concepts, allowing him to anticipate and break on the ball early. Beyond his football IQ, Walker is equally effective against the run and the pass, making him a true three-down linebacker with the potential to anchor the Panthers’ defense for years to come.
Is He The Right Choice?
The Carolina Panthers have a glaring need at linebacker, and Jalon Walker stands out as one of the most intriguing prospects in this draft. His combination of athleticism and versatility makes him a compelling option, with some analysts projecting he could even transition into an edge defender at the next level. Whether at linebacker or on the edge, Walker has the raw potential to succeed against top-tier competition. However, does that potential alone warrant a top-10 pick?
Ultimately, the value of this pick hinges on the Panthers’ coaching staff’s ability to develop Walker’s immense talent. While his upside is undeniable—arguably the best in the linebacker class—he remains raw and could benefit from more experience. Walker currently leans heavily on his athleticism to win as a pass rusher, a tactic that won’t consistently translate to the NFL without refined techniques and a broader repertoire of moves. Additionally, his coverage skills need improvement to match up with NFL-caliber running backs and tight ends.
In summary, Jalon Walker represents a classic high-risk, high-reward prospect. If the Panthers are enamored with his potential, a more prudent strategy might be trading down, securing additional draft capital, and targeting him in the middle of the first round rather than committing to him as a top-10 selection.