Vikings selecting the next Andrew Van Ginkel would bring even more versatility to Brian Flores' defense

Going into the offseason, the Minnesota Vikings have just three official selections in the NFL Draft with a fourth likely coming with a compensatory selection in the third round. However they choose to use them, they need to make the most out of their limited resources. The one interesting position that hasn't been talked about is […]

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Dec 7, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Jalon Walker (11) reacts against the Texas Longhorns during the first half in the 2024 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Going into the offseason, the Minnesota Vikings have just three official selections in the NFL Draft with a fourth likely coming with a compensatory selection in the third round. However they choose to use them, they need to make the most out of their limited resources.

The one interesting position that hasn't been talked about is edge rusher. They just drafted Dallas Turner with the 17th overall pick last year, but are set to lose two edge rushers to free agency and Andrew Van Ginkel is a free agent after 2025. It could be a sneaky need.

The latest installment of our SKOL Search series focuses on a very popular name in NFL Mock Drafts for the Vikings in Georgia EDGE/LB Jalon Walker

Jalon Walker

  • Georgia
  • Height: 6020
  • Weight: 245
  • Class: Third-year Junior
  • Recruiting info: 5-star recruit in 2022 class per 247 Sports
  • Stats: 89 tackles (56 solo), 19.0 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, 73 pressures, 3 passes defended, 2 fumbles recovered, 1 forced fumble 
  • Games watched: Alabama 2024, Texas (SEC Championship) 2024, Notre Dame 2024

Strengths

  • Athleticism: Walker is a tremendous athlete for either an off-ball linebacker or an edge rusher. He has a very quick get-off with an explosive first step
  • Eyes: Having to play both on and off the ball, understanding what is going on in front of you is a priority. Walker has good vision across the board and understands when to attack the quarterback versus staying patient.
  • Versatility: Walker is the ultimate 3-4 outside linebacker who can do a little bit of everything. He's in the Andrew Van Ginkel/Kyle Van Noy mold of player that thrives in today's National Football League
  • Pass Rush Acumen: While Walker isn't the most consistent pass rusher, what he does provide is a level of knowledge to attack blockers in multiple ways. He can beat you with explosiveness, speed, and a powerful punch.

Weaknesses

  • Size: Walker isn't the biggest player. He does struggle at setting the edge against the run and can be displaced with strength by the offensive line.
  • Stiffness In Space: While Walker is a versatile chess piece, he isn't the most fluid mover in space. His hips are a little on the stiffer side, which limits his ability in coverage and change of direction.

Overview

TraitGrade

Bend

8.2/10

Quickness/Burst

13.5/15

Finesse

4.2/5

Power

3.9/5

Counters

8.4/10

Awareness

9.0/10

Run Defense

8.4/10

Versatility

9.7/10

Size/Length

12.3/15

Tackling

8.6/10

Grade

86.2 First Round Grade

Walker is a really solid prospect that will get propped up due to his versatility. In today's game, that's a major factor in how defenses are successful in the National Football League.

For the Vikings, Walker might be viewed as somewhat of a redundancy, as he profiles just like current edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel. However, having multiple in that archetype isn't necessarily a bad thing.

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