Jets may have found breakout star in Maurice Jones-Drew's cousin

Veteran linebacker Mykal Walker quietly righted the ship of his career upon joining the New York Jets last year, but it seems like that’s not enough for him.

Walker, who turns 29 later this month, has been a standout in Jets camp. He’s repeatedly impressed on both defense and special teams only months after signing a one-year, prove-it deal.

According to the New York Post, Friday’s practice featured Walker intercepting Bailey Zappe, his second straight day with a pick. The 2020 fourth-round pick snagged an errant ball from rookie and fan favorite Cade Klubnik on Thursday.

What New York Jets fans must know about linebacker Mykal Walker

Longtime members of the Jets’ organization are likely thrilled to have Walker on their side, considering the issues that his cousin, Maurice Jones-Drew, gave them over the years.

Some Jets fans might be cringing upon remembering Jones-Drew, a three-time Pro Bowler with the Jaguars, opting not to score a touchdown in the final seconds of a 2009 game in the Meadowlands. His decision allowed the Jaguars to kick a game-winning field goal without giving the ball back to Mark Sanchez and the Jets’ offense.

Those were much different times. The Jets were playoff contenders that afternoon, and they’re now chasing their first winning record since 2015. Walker would have been middle school-aged, and he’s already entering his seventh season. 

Walker recorded 31 tackles and broke up a pass in 14 games (five starts) for the Jets last year. He hasn't been a regular starter since 2022, his final year with the Falcons, and typically doesn't make many plays behind the line of scrimmage. He's only been credited with eight tackles for loss and a sack over 88 career games.

Ahead of the 2020 draft, NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein predicted that Walker would be a bottom-of-the-roster and practice squad candidate. Although Zierlein noted his potential to make an impact on special teams, there simply weren’t enough positives to tip the scales in the 6-foot-3, 230-pound Walker’s favor.

“As an inside linebacker, his instincts and awareness help take him where he needs to go, but the football movements are too stiff and mechanical and will make it tough to carry the production over as a pro,” Zierlein wrote.

Walker has made it this far, and he has a chance to remind the league that he can still contribute. Even if the odds are stacked against him earning a multi-year contract anytime soon, that’s not to say it can’t happen. Jets fans have seen enough strange things happen in free agency over the years.

Never ignore a player’s special teams value, either. Walker’s former Steelers teammate, James Pierre, grew into a well-respected special teams ace after going undrafted in 2020. Pierre is now with the Vikings and poised to play both defense and special teams.

You’ll hear us say it a million more times: All it takes is an opportunity, and Walker has positioned himself to make the most of his chances.

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