PFF names Mykal Walker as Falcons’ breakout player for 2022

The Atlanta Falcons defense has been an issue for some time, but up until 2021, the linebacker position wasn’t really the problem. The team switched to a 3-4 defense under Dean Pees this season which allowed for some new blood to get on the field.

Pro Football Focus outlined one breakout player for each team heading into the 2022 season. For the Falcons, PFF highlights linebacker Mykal Walker, the team’s fourth-round selection in 2020. Walker also made PFF’s all-rookie team ahead of first-round draft choice A.J. Terrell.

“Walker has played only 581 snaps over his two years in the NFL, and the 2020 fourth-round pick has earned the right to play far more in 2022 given his small-sample success. He has earned a 75.3 PFF grade in that span, including a 90.1 mark in coverage that featured a pick-six this past season in Cover 1.”

PFF’s Anthony Treash notes that Walker’s selection comes as a result of Foye Oluokun potentially leaving the team in free agency. However, you could make the case that Deion Jones is more likely to be gone than Oluokun, despite still being under contract. Jones hasn’t exactly thrived since Pees took over and his hefty cap hit could make him a potential trade candidate this offseason as the team looks to free up cap space.

Walker would benefit from either player departing as he would step into a starting role. Regardless of what happens, the former Fresno State standout deserves more playing time in 2022.

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