After a disappointing 7-11 finish to the 2024 season, the Dallas Cowboys are strategizing for a significant turnaround. Holding the 12th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the team faces a pivotal decision that could reshape their defensive lineup.
NFL.com’s Gennaro Filice recently released a mock draft suggesting a bold move for Dallas: trading up to the 8th pick with the Carolina Panthers to select Georgia’s versatile defender, Jalon Walker.
Filice notes, “Across the mockosphere, Walker often comes off the board at No. 8 overall – typically, though, the Carolinas native is projected to land in Charlotte. But in this simulation, the Panthers trade the pick to the Cowboys, who scoop up Walker for themselves.”
Walker, a standout at Georgia, has drawn comparisons to Cowboys’ star Micah Parsons due to his hybrid linebacker-edge capabilities.
Filice adds, “Wait, doesn’t Dallas already have a twitchy LB/edge hybrid? Yeah, but why settle for one Micah Parsons when you can have two?! Alright, that comp’s aggressive, but the pairing would be undeniably fun.”
Walker’s Collegiate Impact
In the 2024 season, Walker showcased his defensive prowess with 60 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, two pass deflections, and two fumble recoveries .
His performance earned him the prestigious Dick Butkus Award, recognizing him as the nation’s top linebacker.
This accolade places him among elite company, joining former Georgia Bulldogs Roquan Smith (2017) and Nakobe Dean (2021) as recipients.
Walker‘s versatility is a significant asset. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 245 pounds, he possesses the agility to disrupt plays in the backfield and the strength to hold his ground against offensive linemen.
His ability to adapt to various defensive schemes makes him an attractive prospect for teams looking to bolster their pass rush and run defense.
Strategic Implications for Dallas
Trading up to secure Walker would be a strategic move for the Cowboys, aiming to reinforce their defense with a player capable of making immediate contributions.
While the specifics of the trade package remain speculative, the potential addition of Walker could provide Dallas with a formidable linebacker duo alongside Parsons.
As the draft approaches, the Cowboys‘ front office will weigh the benefits of acquiring a dynamic defender like Walker against the assets required to move up in the draft.
Should they proceed, Walker‘s integration into the Cowboys‘ defense could be a significant step toward reestablishing the team’s competitive edge in the NFC.
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