The Carolina Panthers appeared to start turning a corner toward the end of 2024, with Bryce Young revitalizing his career after being benched early in the season. The Panthers looked like a different team once Young returned, finishing 4-7 down the stretch and securing the No. 8 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Carolina retained many of its offensive free agents, including reworking veteran Adam Thielen’s contract to keep him as the leader of the receiver room. The focus could now shift to the defensive side in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Head coach Dave Canales recently praised one of the top defensive prospects, Jalon Walker, and it wouldn’t be surprising if they use their first-round pick on him.
Panthers HC Dave Canales Praises Jalon Walker Ahead of 2025 NFL Draft
Canales was speaking during an appearance on the Up and Adams show when he talked about Walker’s positive impact on his teammates, terming it a special trait.
“Just ask him about how he impacts his teammates,” Canales replied. “Every single Georgia Bulldog we talk to, they talk about Jalon Walker. They talk about the accountability, the way that he pulls the whole group together, the way that he plays with his hair on fire and communicates and all those things. And so, I think there’s just intangibles about the guy that are really special.”
Jalon Walker is feeling the love from the Panthers! 💙 🏈 @heykayadams | @JalonWlaker | @Panthers pic.twitter.com/jInbjg1inj
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) April 2, 2025
The Panthers had the worst defense in the NFL last season, and while they’ve added S Tre’von Moehrig, DT Tershawn Wharton, DT Bobby Brown III, and EDGE Patrick Jones II in the offseason, Carolina still needs more depth in the pass rush, especially with Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum set to be free agents next season.
Adding Georgia’s Jalon Walker would provide a significant boost, as he could be an instant starter and potentially emerge as the team’s No. 1 edge rusher.
“I believe in passionate energy, most definitely,” Walker said, reacting to Canales’ comments. “Being a part of University of Georgia, our team is very well-connected, and myself, being one of the leaders on the team, I had the opportunity and objective to connect with everybody, to the starting guys, to the walk-ons, on the team.
“I feel like everyone deserves that respect of just being there at University of Georgia, but having that team chemistry and having that relationship with these guys, and knowing what these guys are really fighting for, what their ‘why’ is, is another way to bring that extra notch out during game time.”
Walker primarily contributed as a reserve linebacker and played on special teams in all 15 games during his freshman season. He went on to win a College Football Playoff National Championship with Georgia in a dominant 65-7 victory over TCU.
In 2023, as a sophomore, Walker took on a larger role as a rotational linebacker. Over 14 games, he recorded five sacks, six tackles for loss, and 20 total tackles.
Walker had a breakout 2024 season, winning the Butkus Award. He led the Bulldogs in tackles for loss with 11 and sacks with 6.5. Walker also totaled 60 tackles, 23 total pressures, and 13 QB hurries, cementing his status as one of the top defensive prospects.
Javon Walker Draft Projection
The Panthers and Walker have often been mocked together at the No. 8 overall pick, and while they still pair in PFSN’s latest mock draft by Cameron Sheath, it’s at 10th overall. Carolina trades down with the Chicago Bears, receiving Nos. 10 and 39 for Nos. 8, 57, and 111.
Sheath wrote, “I’ve seen Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan linked with the Carolina Panthers in several mocks. While their need for a WR1 is clear, the Panthers won’t be a factor at all if they don’t address their defense…Having recently extended Jaycee Horn and signed Tre’von Moehrig in free agency, adding Walker would see the beginnings of a defensive foundation appear for Carolina.”