Mykal Walker: Falcons Linebacker is Ready To Soar With a New Defense
New D.C. Brings a More Aggressive Style That Suits Walker
The Atlanta Falcons have a new shot caller on defense and linebacker Mykal Walker is all for it. Ryan Nielsen comes over from New Orleans, a defense he helped coach to become one of the NFL’s most formidable for five seasons. With Nielsen now in charge, Walker could see a boost to his productivity as he looks to build on a career season last year.
Mykal Walker in 2023
Walker Ready To Spread Wings
Mykal Walker had a 2022 to remember. He started a career-high 12 games and logged over 100 tackles and his first career sack. Now, he and the Falcons’ defense gets more of a chance to shine under Nielsen’s play-calling style.
“I don’t take nothing away from Dean [Pees],” Walker told ESPN’s Michael Rothstein. “It was a great scheme, everything like that. I just think this scheme fits us a little bit more.”
Under Nielsen, the Falcons will be more versatile and aggressive on defense. For Walker, the 25-year-old will get a chance to switch between playing on the inside and the outside.
“[Playing outside] lets you run around and make plays,” Walker said. “The original scheme I was drafted for when I came to Atlanta was a 4-3, so I was always covered up, and I was able to run sideline-to-sideline and make plays with athleticism and I think we’re bringing that back this year. A little bit more matching.”
Indeed, Walker can become of the better NFL players in his position. And if the Falcons are to improve its NFL team record, the defense needs to improve. The pressure is on for Walker and Nielsen. But they are excited for the challenge.
Mykal Walker’s Player Profile & Stats
The Falcons drafted Walker in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. The 6’3” 230-pound linebacker played at Azusa Pacific before transferring to Fresno State for his final three years. He was named a two-time First-team All-MWC selection as well as the Defensive MVP of the 2018 MWC Football Championship Game.
Last Year’s Stats
Mykal Walker came into his own last season. He posted several personal bests and became a mainstay for the team’s defense.
TACKLES
- SK: 1.0
- COMB: 107
- SOLO: 56
- AST: 51
- TFL: 4
- QB HITS: 1
- SFTY: 0
DEF INTERCEPTIONS
- INT: 2
- YDS: 33
- TD: 0
- LNG: 21
- PD: 6
Along with stopping the run, Walker got involved in pass coverage. He picked off a pair of passes and accounted for 20% of the team’s interceptions. With more of an inside/outside role this season, Walker may further boost the stats in both areas.
Walker and Falcons Have Much To Prove
Despite Walker’s mini-breakout last year, the Falcons’ defense was still among the league’s worst. In fact, Pro Football Focus ranked the team’s linebacking unit 28th overall. If the team is to prove the naysayers and the NFL odds wrong, Walker needs to step up. An improvement from him and the defense could push the Falcons back to the postseason.
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