If the Carolina Panthers decide that they don’t need to reset at quarterback yet again in the 2025 NFL draft, it would free them up to address one of their many roster holes in Round 1. At the moment the best possible use of that first pick appears to be adding another weapon to Carolina’s pass rush. Heading into Week 11 the Panthers rank 31st in sacks despite the boost they got from the activation of DJ Wonnum from the PUP list.

In a new mock draft from Kyle Crabb at the 33rd team, the Panthers do just that, selecting Georgia outside linebacker Jalon Walker at number 10 overall.

“On the other hand, the pass-rush group isn’t collecting many wins. Charles Harris and A’Shawn Robinson entered Week 10 as the only Panthers defenders with two whole sacks or more on the season. Georgia’s Jalon Walker is a diverse, disruptive talent that Carolina defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero could certainly weaponize to bring some more potency to pressuring the opposition.”

Walker (6-foot-2, 245 pounds) doesn’t exactly have eye-popping numbers. In 39 games with the Bulldogs he’s totaled 11.5 sacks and 16 tackles for a loss to go with 47 solo tackles. For the season he’s at 5.5 sacks nd eight TFL.

Those numbers probably won’t raise your heart rate any, but teams don’t draft prospects based on how well they performed in college – they pick them based on what they believe they can do at the next level. What matters with Walker is that he has the traits to become an impactful edge rusher in the NFL, per the scouting report at The Draft Network:

“Walker has an explosive first step, powerful hand counters, and the athleticism to be a difficult defender to block for offensive tackles. Walker has the athletic profile to be a versatile front-seven defender but his biggest impact may be as a stand-up edge rusher in the NFL on third downs. “

Drafting Walker would give him the chance to land at the top of the team’s edge rotation, provided veteran Jadeveon Clowney doesn’t step it up down the stretch.

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Alfred Collins was part of the Texas Longhorns team that played in Fayetteville in 2021 and fell to the Razorbacks 40-21. Three years later, Collins recorded seven tackles, two for loss, one sack and a forced fumble.

In the fourth quarter, as Texas led 20-10, Collins slapped the ball away from Arkansas freshman receiver CJ Brown. Michael Taaffe pounced on the loose ball and possession was back to the Longhorn offense with 6:55 left on the clock.

“Man, I just wanted to keep the ball back to the offense,” Collins said. “Do what I gotta do.”

This play was crucial to guarantee the Longhorns would come out on top this time, and Razorback fans would be silenced in the stands rather than storming the field.

“Man, I’ll never forget that game. That was an eye-opening game,” Collins said. “We had to show that we’re the best defense in the nation. So I feel like we did. I don’t want to lose to them again. No.”

Five years into his Texas career, Collins might be having his best season to finish off strong. He’s tallied 35 tackles and 12 sacks this year and this game marked his best performance.

“I mean, Alfred Collins, what a game,” head coach Steve Sarkisian said, praising his veteran defender.

With Texas heading into the final stretch of the season, with Kentucky and Texas A&M left in the regular season and the College Football Playoff, Collins’ collegiate career will soon come to an end. His motivation is high, but not just for his own good.

“I’m gonna give my all every week,” Collins said. “I love these guys, everybody in the organization, the whole team. I wouldn’t be here without them.”

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