Atlanta Falcons rookie pass rusher Jalon Walker should be taking note of his ex-teammate's recent playful shot. Mykel Williams was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers, with both players being a part of Georgia's 2024 front seven. This speaks to just how talented the Georgia defense has been, as well as pointing out an interesting comparison that will follow both Walker and the Falcons for years to come. With this in mind, Williams' comments are all the more interesting.
The linebacker appeared on Kay Adams' Up & Adams podcast, with Adams bringing up the 49ers' Sunday Night Football matchup against the Falcons. Williams was asked if he believed it would be himself or Walker recording the most sacks. After a great deal of cajoling, Williams said he "liked his chances" of ending the game with more sacks than Atlanta's rookie.
Mykel Williams Has Already Issued a Challenge for Jalon Walker on Sunday Night Football
It was a playful shot with it extremely clear that Williams respects Walker and wanted to give props to his teammate. However, Williams has a great deal of self-belief as well and will benefit from consistently lining up on the ball. Jalon Walker could make it impossible for the Falcons to use the linebacker only as a pass rusher.
The ability to cover sideline to sideline is going to make it tempting to pull the linebacker off the line of scrimmage and help in the middle of the field. Still, it is a noteworthy offseason headline as Georgia continues to pump out elite NFL defenders.
Adams further pointed out the importance of this early-season game with Chris Collinsworth on the call and the league paying attention. It is a chance for Michael Penix Jr. and Jalon Walker both to announce their arrival and help establish the Falcons as an NFC contender.
No matter how things play out, it was a fun headline and a reminder of the respect Walker has from his former teammates. Williams was long pointed to as a potential Atlanta draft target as well, making his 2025 season interesting beyond just the obvious comparisons to Jalon Walker. It will be a fun season to monitor for two players, both expected to have an instant impact.