Mykal Walker out of Fresno State was the Atlanta Falcons‘ early fourth-round selection as the team attempts to find someone who can play their strong-side linebacker role in base defense. Walker is one of the better all-around linebackers as he’s solid in coverage, can rush the passer and plays the run well. But the issue he has is that he’s a jack of all trades, and a master of none.

The versatility is useful for a team like Atlanta, though. Walker should make an impact early with his experience at both middle linebacker and strong-side linebacker in Fresno State’s defense. The Falcons should see him come right in and start on the strong-side with very little competition from Edmond Robinson and LaRoy Reynolds for that role.

In terms of overall depth, the team got a big improvement in their linebacker corps this offseason already with Robinson and Reynolds, but adding a replacement for De’Vondre Campbell was important. Walker will be that guy, and shouldn’t be too much of a drop off from Campbell as a rookie.

Why Mykal Walker instead of CB Bryce Hall or EDGE Curtis Weaver?

Atlanta needed to get someone who could start at strong-side linebacker with De’Vondre Campbell leaving for Arizona. Bryce Hall would have been nice to enhance the cornerback depth, and Curtis Weaver could have been good to add to the pass rush. However, at this point, the Falcons really needed to enhance the mid-level of their defense. Drafting Walker is a great start in doing that.

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