After leading the league in trade rumors entering the draft, the Atlanta Falcons didn’t make a single move during all three days.
After leading the league in trade rumors entering the draft, the Falcons didn’t make a single move. The team was still able to fill needs at cornerback, guard and linebacker, while adding depth to its secondary.
Let’s recap all six of Atlanta’s picks and examine the roles they are likely to play in 2020.
Round 1 (No. 16): CB A.J. Terrell – Florida
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Analysis: Terrell was the third corner drafted, but is a great fit for Atlanta’s scheme and fills the team’s desperate need for a starting cornerback. Some analysts felt the pick was a reach, however, the Falcons had no choice due to the position they put themselves in by cutting Desmond Trufant. Terrell is effective in press-man coverage as well as zone. Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris should be able to maximize the abilities of the former Clemson standout.
Let’s take a look at his RAS (relative athletic score), courtesy of Kent Lee Platte, to highlight Terrell’s impressive athleticism:
With pick 16 in the 2020 NFL Draft, the #Falcons selected A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson.
The Atlanta Falcons may have found a new starting linebacker on day three of the 2020 NFL Draft.
The Atlanta Falcons may have found a new starting linebacker on day three of the 2020 NFL Draft. With the first of two fourth-round picks, the team grabbed Fresno State’s Mykal Walker.
If you had to describe Walker’s game in one word, it would versatile. He can rush off the edge, drop into coverage and is quick at getting around blockers and locating the the ball carrier.
The Falcons obviously loved the wide array of things he can bring to their defense. With De’Vondre Campbell, Adrian Clayborn and Vic Beasley all playing elsewhere next season, Walker is the perfect depth addition that can line up all over.
Check out some of his college highlights below, as shared by the team’s Twitter account:
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
With pick 119 in the 2020 NFL Draft, the #Falcons selected Mykal Walker, LB, Fresno State.
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.
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.
The Falcons needed some linebacker depth and Mykal Walker should be a good fit for the Falcons defense with his versatility and intelligence.
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.
For Fresno State, he had 182 total tackles, 6.5 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss in two seasons.
The Arizona Cardinals could target a linebacker in the NFL draft. In fact, we have a list of names who could be in play with each one of their six selections in the draft this week.
That list does not include this latest name the Cardinals have been in contact with.
According to Draft Wire’s Justin Melo, the Cardinals are one of many teams to have had a virtual meeting with Fresno State linebacker Mykal Walker.
Fresno State LB Mykal Walker has held 11 virtual meetings in total. He's a great value pick.
Walker measured in at the NFL combine at 6-3 and 230 pounds. He has pretty good speed, running the 40 in 4.65 seconds. He also had a 33-inch vertical leap, a 10-2 broad jump and 7.09-second three-cone.
Walker began his collegiate career at Azusa Pacific, where he had 102 tackles, 11.5 for a loss as a freshman. He transferred to Fresno State and redshirted 2017.
For Fresno State, he had 182 total tackles, 6.5 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss in two seasons. He also broke up 10 passes, forced three fumbles and recovered three.
He is expected to be a Day 3 pick and could be in play for the Cardinals in the sixth or seventh rounds.
In Draft Wire’s new 7-round mock draft, the Bears address some starting vacancies and depth roles on offense and defense.
With less than two weeks until the 2020 NFL Draft, the wait is almost over to meet the Chicago Bears’ 2020 draft class. The Bears are once again without a first-round pick, the final in the Khalil Mack trade, but they do own a pair of second-round picks.
But after trading a fourth-round compensatory pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Bears only have two picks in the first four rounds. So those two second rounders are even more valuable for general manager Ryan Pace.
In Draft Wire’s new mock draft, Luke Easterling projected the Bears’ targets on offense and defense with their picks in the second, fifth, sixth and seventh rounds.
RD. 2 – No. 43. Cole Kmet | TE | Notre Dame
Despite the Bears bringing in two veteran tight ends this offseason in Jimmy Graham and Demetrius Harris, tight end remains a concern for Chicago. While you could argue the Bears shouldn’t use a second rounder on a weak tight end class, whether Pace decides to use a second-round pick on a tight end will tell you everything you need to know. If that’s the the case, he’ll likely have his pick of tight ends, including arguably the best prospect in the tight end class in Notre Dame’s Cole Kmet.
RD. 2 – No. 50. Noah Igbenoghene | CB | Auburn
You figure Pace will use one of his second-round picks on a defensive back, given there are two starting positions up for grabs — one each at cornerback and safety. While Kevin Toliver, Tre Roberson and Artie Burns will be competing for the spot opposite cornerback Kyle Fuller, Pace could also bring in a young prospect like Noah Igbenoghene to compete for the job.
RD 5 – No. 163. Mykal Walker | LB | Fresno State
While the Bears were able to retain their starting inside linebacker duo with the re-signing of Danny Trevathan to return alongside Roquan Smith, Chicago did lose some depth. Nick Kwiatkoski and Kevin Pierre-Louis were both key reserves that stepped in as Trevathan and Smith dealt with injuries, but both have signed elsewhere.
Now, the Bears need depth at inside linebacker, and Mykal Walker would be a great prospect to develop behind two of the game’s best. Given Walker’s versatility at inside linebacker, outside linebacker and defensive end in 2019, the Bears could also choose to plug him in where needed.
With the coronavirus pandemic disrupting NFL operations around the country, teams are getting creative as they continue to fill out scouting reports and learn more about the prospects in this year’s draft class. With the 2020 NFL Draft less than a month away, the New Orleans Saints are one of several teams using the popular FaceTime video chat service to conduct interviews.
According to a report from Justin Melo over at Draft Wire, the latest prospect to speak with the Saints was Fresno State Bulldogs linebacker Mykal Walker. Walker has had a full schedule, with future FaceTime meetings set up with both the New York Giants and the Indianapolis Colts.
But who is he? Walker transferred to Fresno State from Azusa Pacific, a small private university, and immediately started after redshirting the 2017 season. He wore many different hats for the Bulldogs, lining up at both middle and outside linebacker as well as defensive end; that versatility paid off with a career statline of 182 total tackles (94 solo, 22.5 for loss) with splash plays including 6.5 sacks, an interception returned 38 yards for a defensive touchdown, 10 passes defensed, three fumbles forced and three more recovered. He made plays all over the field during his 26 games in the Mountain West.
Walker measured in at 6-foot-3, 230 pounds at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine, putting up above-average testing numbers in the 40-yard dash (4.65 seconds) and broad jump (122 inches). He was more pedestrian in the agility drills like the three-cone (7.09 seconds) and the 20-yard shuttle (4.25 seconds).
Right now, Walker’s projection suggests a first-year impact as a backup who would see most of his action on special teams — much like Kaden Elliss, who the Saints added in the seventh round last year out of Idaho (home of the Vandals! Not a team name you see too often), which would put Walker on the board during the third day of this year’s draft. It’s interesting that he shares an alma mater with Michael Hodges, the recently-promoted Saints linebackers coach.
That perceived value lines up with the other linebackers the Saints have interviewed lately. In normal years, every team eventually meets with every player, whether at pro days, all-star games, combine events, or in formal facilities visits. So we probably shouldn’t look too deeply into these reports.
But it might suggest that the Saints are doing their homework on the “middle class” of this year’s crop at linebacker, in case they aren’t able to add a top prospect in the first round such as Oklahoma’s Kenneth Murray, LSU’s Patrick Queen, or Wisconsin’s Zack Baun. Linebacker looks like the biggest Saints roster need right now, having addressed wide receiver (Emmanuel Sanders), defensive back (Malcolm Jenkins and Janoris Jenkins), and the offensive and defense lines (Andrus Peat and David Onyemata) through veterans in free agency. It’s always wise to be prepared.
Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Fresno State linebacker Mykal Walker
If your favorite NFL team is looking for a sleeper pick at linebacker in the 2020 NFL draft, Fresno State’s Mykal Walker just might be their man.
A decorated leader for the Bulldogs, Walker recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about the incredible turnaround at Fresno State, what he loves most about playing linebacker, and why an NFL team should take a chance on him in this year’s draft.
JM: You were an All-Mountain West First-Team selection, and the Defensive MVP of the 2018 Mountain West Championship game. How do you look back on your time at Fresno State?
MW: It’s been a crazy journey. I wasn’t heavily recruited and I worked myself into an opportunity to transfer to Fresno State. I was blessed to be surrounded by such a fantastic coaching staff and teammates. We’ve done a great job turning things around as of late. We went 1-11 in 2016. I arrived in 2017. My red-shirt year, we won a bowl game and went to the championship game. My first year actually playing, we won the championship game and won a bowl game as well. You always wanna be a part of a team like that. It’s been amazing, man.
JM: What’s your favorite part about playing the linebacker position?
MW: You have to be a know-it-all. I enjoy the responsibilities that come with it. It’s my job to know where everyone on the defense is supposed to be at any given moment. I have to understand all of the schemes. I take pride in watching so much film so that when it comes to the game, I’m well prepared for anything and everything. Being a linebacker means you’re the key of the defense. You’re the glue that holds everything together. I love having that weight on my shoulders. I love being in that position.
(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
JM: What are you most excited about over the next couple of months?
MW: I’m just taking things day by day right now. I’m just trying to enjoy the process. It only happens once. I’m out here training in Miami. I’m just a kid from California that now finds himself in Miami. To come out here and train, I’m just playing football. I’m trying to make football my job and I’m enjoying every single minute of all this. I’ve been meeting some incredible people. I’m training alongside prospects that come from all over the place. It’s been an incredibly humbling experience. I’m just blessed to be in this position. I’m taking things day by day and I won’t take anything for granted.
JM: Playing in the Mountain West afforded you the opportunity to play against some really strong competition. Who are some of the best players you’ve been tasked with covering?
MW: I have to give it up to Alexander Mattison, first and foremost. He played at Boise State. He’s such a tough match-up. He brings it all game long. Even after we won the championship game, I remember praising him in the post-game interview. He’s probably the best player I’ve ever played against. I hope to play against him again next year if everything goes right for me.
JM: He was great when he was able to get on the field for the Minnesota Vikings this year. Is there another NFL superstar you’d love to play against?
MW: I’m actually gonna switch it up and mention someone who’s on his way. Eno Benjamin from Arizona State is someone I’d love to compete against. He has “it,” man. That’s a great player right there. I’m excited for this entire draft class. Anybody I’ve ever played against, my teammates, guys I’m training alongside, I’m just excited for them. I just want the best for everybody. This is such a great experience for us all. We’re all excited to see how things shake out.
(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
I’ve played against some of the best of the best. Even a guy like Brett Rypien, another Boise State guy. He has the ability to control an entire game from the quarterback position. I got to see him twice while I was ineligible. I think about all the big dogs in the Mountain West. San Diego State has a bunch of guys. Their running back Juwan Washington is a great player. Wyoming had a great running back in 2018. The Mountain West has had some great players throughout my time here.
JM: What do you enjoy more: Coming downhill in the run game, or dropping back into coverage?
MW: I love the run game. That’s one thing I’ve always loved and had a knack for. To me, being able to come up and stop the run just defines everything that’s great about football. It’s fast and physical. You have to attack these high paced offenses nowadays. The run game is my bread and butter.
JM: Why should an NFL team use one of their draft picks on Mykal Walker?
MW: I’m a versatile guy that can play in any scheme. I’ve played both inside and outside. I’m a special teams contributor as well. I’m a guy that’s gonna grind every day. I can play inside and I can rush off the edge. I’m just looking forward to being an asset at the next level. I’m a player that can do it all. Whichever team decides to give me an opportunity, I’m gonna run with it. I’m not taking anything for granted. I’m gonna work my butt off and earn the respect of my teammates.
The Jags have had a heavy presence at the East-West Shrine Bowl and here are six players they could be interested in on the West team.
Earlier we took a look at some players on the East team for Jacksonville Jaguars fans to watch in Saturday’s Shrine Bowl and now it’s time to look at the West team. Here are six standouts from the game’s practice sessions that could fill some holes on the Jags’ roster:
Kelly Bryant, QB, Missouri
Like receiver, quarterback isn’t a pressing need for the Jags but it’s a position worth looking at for them. Even if they name Gardner Minshew II the starter, it isn’t as if his play was perfect in 2019. Sure, he flashed a great deal of ability but when he was forced to play within the confines of the pocket, it wasn’t pretty.
All of that said, I forgot to mention a quarterback in the East breakdown so I’ll do so here by listing Kelly Bryant. Again, the Jags love Southeastern Conference players and Bryant is someone who has played against elite defenses (see Alabama). At 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, Bryant has good size and a live arm. He progressed well throughout the three practice sessions this week and especially impressed in team drills. Needless to say, that means all eyes will be on him during the game as he could be a late-round option at quarterback for the Jags to develop over time.
Calvin Thockmorton, OL, Oregon
According to Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network, Calvin Thockmorton stood out in Day’s 1-2. He looked his best at guard and center as opposed to tackle, so Jags fans who tune in to the Shrine Game should watch his work there as opposed to the interior because that’s where the team needs help at the most. Nonetheless, versatility is always a plus and the fact that he played every position but left guard while at Oregon is pretty impressive.
Nick Westbrook, WR, Indiana
Many praised the speed of Nick Westbrook this week as it seems he may have been the best deep threat in St. Petersburg. He also showcased a great deal of athleticism while making highlight grabs.
At 6-foot-2, 215 pounds, he’s exactly the type of receiver the Jags like, which is tall fast and flashy. With a high probability that they will part ways with Marqise Lee this offseason, Westbrook could be an option for the Jags during Day 3 of the draft.
Bravvion Roy, DL, Baylor
Bravvion Roy was arguably the most mentioned player of the three practices in St. Petersburg and he’s clearly made himself some money when it comes to April’s draft.
According to Pauline, Roy collapsed the pocket and could not be stopped all week for the most part. At 6-foot-1, 333 pounds, Roy could be a candidate to play nose tackle with the Jags, who may be parting ways with Marcell Dareus who would free up over $20 million if released.
Khalil Davis, DL, Nebraska
Like Roy, Khalil Davis was a name mentioned all week. He doesn’t quite have the size that Roy has at 6-foot-0, 300 pounds, but he’s quick at the snap. He also showed the ability to bend this week.
As mentioned in the article about the players to watch on the East team, the Jags need more of a space-eater and run-stuffer in the interior, but if Davis is still available outside of the top-100 selections, he’s certainly worth a look. With the front office understanding that a team can never have enough pass-rushers, they likely will keep a close eye on Davis during the game.
Mykal Walker, LB, Fresno State
Mykal Walker is a player that has played as a 3-4 outside linebacker and a 4-3 inside linebacker while at Fresno State. Of course, with the Jags they may look at him at MIKE linebacker or maybe weak-side linebacker as it appears Todd Wash will remain the team’s defensive coordinator.
At 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, Pauline praised Walker’s instincts and ability to play in space. He also said Walker could be underdrafted, which may present the Jags with a chance to land a late-round gem if they like him.
