Clip is here: https://youtu.be/DJPVBpCXdcw?si=CA8ePhWNiyDHWyZO&t=2951
McShay is not quite as reliable as a Daniel Jeremiah, but he has connections to front offices around the league. From what he's hearing, the NFL is much higher on Walker than analytics teams like PFF, thanks in part to his motor, mentality, and leadership qualities. He sees Walker being picked anywhere from 5-8, with even Jacksonville potentially considering him instead of Graham.
This matches with DJ's most recent big board (Jalon at 5) and Dane Brugler's of the Athletic (Jalon at 3 – paywalled unfortunately).
I'm not a big Walker fan personally, but I still think this is worth paying attention to. If he is the pick at 8, the league-wide sentiment would probably view it as a homerun.
11 comments
He’s not throwing 8 out there as random number.
I really do think the Panthers love him. However, I also do think that it might not be a choice.
Worst case scenario is Carter, Hunter, Graham, and Walker all going top 7.
After watching a few interviews with him, it’s easy to see why teams love this guy. Articulate, passionate, and comes off as simultaneously confident and humble. I don’t see him ever becoming a truly dominant EDGE or OLB in the traditional sense, but he could be a dangerous piece if utilized in different areas of the field on specific downs/situations.
An interesting comparison is Kyle Hamilton. He’s an elite defensive chess piece when moved around a formation rather than being limited to that of a traditional safety.
If he is available at 8, I think we take him. If he is off the board, I think it is likely that means Graham has fallen to us and he is the pick instead. I’d be pretty happy with either of those.
My issue with Walker is that he doesn’t truly shine at any one thing. He’s good, often very good at a lot of stuff. But never great. I suppose that’s the case for this entire draft class.
I think for longevity and pure skill at their position, Jihaad Campbell is the better player and prospect. He will be in the league for some time, I feel. Campbell, to me, is someone who can be a Fred Warner type. At times, the best, most of the time, very good.
Jalon Walker will also be very good. Lots of heart, lots of motor. But ultimately, a ceiling of Frankie Luvu. Fan favorite, but has some clear flaws.
I will still be very happy with Walker. It was a gut punch when Luvu left, and I fully embrace the replacement for the hole that was left.
Walker would be a case of us sprinting to turn in the pick. Rare instance of BPA intersecting with position of need. I’m skeptical he makes it to 8. Maybe Jeantys rising stock could help.
I think he’ll work out alright. Could be a good pick for the locker room and culture. Maybe we’ll all be shedding a tear when he hoists a Lombardi in 5 years
Mike Mayock has him over Abdul Carter and says he reminds him of Micah Parsons. But Mayock also drafted Clelin Farrell at 4th overall, so there’s that.
I truly believe Dan and Dave mean they will take BPA. With this they aren’t locking in on 1 position. If Walker and Graham are gone I’m sure Warren, Tet and Jeanty will be on their radar. We will see more players come in the next 3 weeks for top 30 visits. Also a lot of smoke gets blown out this time of year. Teams trying to keep their pick available so they will fake interest in other players. Plus there will be trades that we can’t predict that will happen. I’m sure with whatever we do and who we take it will be someone that the team feels will help improve us
This could be true. But I also believe these draft guys have been throwing around A LOT of BS this draft season. Some might be true some might be not.
But overall a lot of it just seems like darts thrown based on rumors and speculation.
If I had to guess right now I think Jalon Walker is the favorite for the pick. But he could also fall outside of the top 12 pretty easily in my mind and go closer to 20
Todd Mcshay says Walker is a blue chip this sub starts to gush…
Mike Maylock says it… yall call HR