There is always a learning curve for rookies in the NFL, and even though Jalon Walker is extremely talented and versatile earlier today The Morning Shift explained why giving the rookie pass rusher a defined role will help him make an immediate impact in year one.
“I love listening to these cuts and knowing that these guys will have a defined role because that what you need as a rookie, and we just talked about it, we joked with Ali about having these classes of like these guys need to learn how to merge in Atlanta traffic, like there’s so much going on for these guys that like having a defined role of like look man I understand what you can do, you’re great in coverage, trust you in the flat, whatever else like we can play off the ball, you’ll build into that, but straight up right now just get to the dude standing in the pocket.” Mike Johnson said
Falcons’ Outside Linebackers Coach Jacquies Smith spoke to the media yesterday and talked about how the team just wants Walker to master the pass rush, and that they are solely focused on helping him do that right now.
“I mean I think the reason we’re bringing him in our room is obviously to master one thing and obviously the master is to get after the passer, to get after the quarterback. I think that’s one of the main things, and obviously we want to hone in on that skillset, and just him being able to learn the little small details that go into pass rush I think would be great for him, and so that’s one of the things that we’re going to focus in on” Coach Smith said
It’s been said by all athletes not just in the NFL but across all sports, that they are at their best when they aren’t thinking, but just playing instinctually, and the same will be true for Jalon this year. He will be at his best when he is able to just play football on the field and not think, so taking a little bit off Walker’s plate, and allowing him to just focus on rushing the passer and sacking the quarterback will be the Atlanta’s recipe to setting the Georgia Bulldog turned Atlanta Falcon up to win Defensive Rookie of the Year this year.
