Fourth Georgia football player declares for 2025 NFL Draft

Georgia’s Jalon Walker has announced his plans for the 2025 season.

The junior linebacker, who tied for the team lead in sacks this season with 6.5, declared for the NFL draft on Monday, according to his Instagram account.

Walker is the fourth Bulldog, along with quarterback Carson Beck, offensive lineman Tate Ratledge and defensive tackle Warren Brinson, to announce NFL draft intentions. Players have until Jan. 15 to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Walker won the Butkus Award this past season, becoming the third Georgia player to do so. Walker had 60 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and two pass breakups. Walker was also a team captain for this Georgia team.

“I mean, he’s an unbelievable person, and I think when you’re in the coaching profession, it’s about helping people achieve their dreams, whether it’s the high school level, college level, professional level,” Georgia defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann said of Walker. “That was something that was really important to him. I think it influenced why he came here because of seeing the results in the past and the ability to do that here and develop as a complete player.”

Walker signed with Georgia as a member of the 2022 recruiting class out of Salisbury, North Carolina.

The departure of Walker and inside linebacker Smael Mondon creates opportunities for CJ Allen and Raylen Wilson to take larger roles and opens the door for freshmen Chris Cole and Justin Williams to emerge. Georgia also signed Troy Bowles, a transfer to Michigan.