Falcons NFL Draft Profile: Breaking Down LB Mykal Walker

The Falcons needed some talent at linebacker to compete for the starting strong-side linebacker position and took Mykal Walker out of Fresno State.

The Falcons needed some talent at linebacker to compete for the starting strong-side linebacker position and took Mykal Walker out of Fresno State with their first fourth-round pick in the 2020 draft. Atlanta got a great fit for what they like to do in their strong-side linebacker role with Walker’s versatility.

Walker’s Combine/Pro Day Measurables

The Falcons take their third player in this draft who scored above 8.0 in his RAS meaning that he’s above 80 percent of all athletes at his position in his athleticism. Walker has the great athleticism that Atlanta likes from its defenders and is a fast and physical player that Dan Quinn will love.

Stats

2019: 12 Games Played, 96 Tackles, 9.0 Tackles for Loss, 2.5 Sacks, 4 QB Hurries, 1 Fumble Forced, 4 Pass Deflections

2018: 14 Games Played, 87 Tackles, 14.0 Tackles for Loss, 4.5 Sacks, 5 QB Hurries, 1 Interception, 2 Fumbles Forced, 6 Pass Deflections, 2 Blocked Kicks, 1 Defensive Touchdown

2017: Red-shirted

2016: 12 Games Played, 102 Tackles, 11.5 Tackles for Loss, 3 Sacks, 4 QB Hurries, 2 Interceptions, 2 Pass Deflections, 1 Blocked Kick (Played at Asuza Pacific)

2015: 9 Games Played, 40 Tackles, 3.5 Tackles for Loss, 1 Sack, 1 Interception, 1 Pass Deflection (Played at Asuza Pacific)

The Falcons are getting a highly productive linebacker who also was a special teams ace for his college teams. Mykal Walker is a smart football player who will make an impact early and was able to fill quite a few different roles while he was in college.

Highlights

How does he fit on the field

Mykal Walker is an all-around player who can rush the passer, stuff the run and plays solid enough in coverage. The Falcons should expect him to contribute as a starter the way that De’Vondre Campbell did in the nickel packages and give Atlanta the true strong-side linebacker they needed.

Versatility is the name of the game with Walker. His special teams talent is readily apparent on film and should lead him to a ton of playing time there even if his defensive snaps are limited as a rookie. Walker should compete with Foye Oluokun for some snaps in nickel sets and could even be valuable as a 3-3-5 fit for some nickel sets.

How does he fit the Comrade Filter?

Mykal Walker was a team captain in college and was a vocal leader. His play on the field matches his work ethic off of it. Had he been more of a specialized player in college, the Falcons wouldn’t have wanted him, but he focused on being good at everything. Atlanta got a great fit for their locker room with Walker.

How does he fit into the long-term plans for the Falcons?

Long-term, the Falcons should see Walker be a special teams ace as well as an eventual starting linebacker for the team. His size, speed, and agility will make him a useful weapon. Atlanta got a great fit in Walker and this pick just makes more sense the more we learn about him.

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