ClutchPoints
The biggest surprise from the Falcons‘ first unofficial depth chart of the 2025 NFL season is the unexpected elevation of rookie linebacker Jalon Walker to a significant reserve role, signaling the team’s faith in his development despite his late-round draft status.
Jalon Walker, drafted in the later rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, has quietly risen through the Falcons’ linebacker ranks to earn a notable spot as a key reserve on the team’s first unofficial depth chart. This inclusion defies typical expectations for a late-round rookie, who often start their careers on practice squads or with minimal contributions. Walker’s ability to make the depth chart at such an early stage reflects strong offseason and training camp performances, suggesting he has impressed the coaching staff with his athleticism and understanding of the defensive scheme.
Updated Atlanta Falcons projected depth chart and current roster after the Falcons released their depth chart and made the Arnold/Zierer moves. #DirtyBirds
Will update as we go along using snap counts moving forward. pic.twitter.com/fnuhdSqmvR
— 𝑺𝒄𝒐𝒕𝒕 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒌 (@CarasikS) August 6, 2025
Walker’s presence is especially striking considering the competition at linebacker, which the Falcons have bolstered through free agency and the draft with names like James Pearce Jr. and veteran Leonard Floyd. Head coach Raheem Morris has signaled that the linebacker corps is a major focus as the team aims to strengthen its defense, and Walker’s elevated position indicates the staff sees him as a potential contributor capable of impacting games not just on special teams but possibly in defensive rotations as well.
NFL defenses that will improve the most next season:
– Falcons
– Panthers
Exciting moves to help their young QBs
Leanord Floyd and Jalon Walker:pic.twitter.com/a7ZhmbcoGn
— GM Chris (DA Dynasty) (@DADynastyChris) August 3, 2025
This move also points to the Falcons’ willingness to accelerate the development of promising youngsters who show readiness, bypassing the usual slow acclimation curve common for rookies in the NFL. Walker’s spot sends a message that his work ethic and skills are valued and that he could quickly become a surprise asset on defense in 2025.
Beyond simply making an unexpected appearance on the Falcons’ first unofficial depth chart of the 2025 NFL season, rookie linebacker Jalon Walker’s impact extends much deeper into the team’s dynamics and future outlook. While his elevated depth chart placement signals trust in his potential, Walker’s broader influence reveals a promising force in leadership, culture, and defensive versatility.
His work ethic and quick grasp of the playbook have made him a respected figure within the locker room. His coaches and teammates have praised his professionalism, his eagerness to learn, and his calm demeanor under pressure. As an embodiment of the Falcons’ youth movement, he offers a blueprint for how less-heralded rookies can rise swiftly by focusing on fundamentals and embracing a team-first...
