The most overlooked player on the Jets' late-season 2025 defense

The New York Jets signed well-traveled NFL veteran linebacker Mykal Walker to their practice squad just before the start of the 2025 season in a move that wasn't expected to amount to much at the time.

But by the end of the season, Walker had worked his way into the starting lineup as injuries decimated the Jets' defense. On a defensive unit filled with practice squad call-ups and late-season additions, he was actually one of the team's most consistent players over the final five games.

Day 51 of your 2026 Jets Camp Countdown belongs to the Falcon Flyer, Walker Texas Ranger, and one of the more overlooked players on the Jets' roster...it's Mykal Walker.

1. Where Mykal Walker stands entering Jets training camp
2. Mykal Walker made the most of his late-season opportunity
3. What would make 2026 a success for Mykal Walker
4. Recent 2026 Camp Countdown Breakdowns

Where Mykal Walker stands entering Jets training camp

Walker was originally selected in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons after a productive college career at Fresno State.

He started 20 games over his first three seasons in Atlanta before bouncing around the league with stops in Chicago, Las Vegas, Pittsburgh, Washington, and Arizona.

The Jets added him to their practice squad shortly before the start of last season, and he quickly settled into a familiar role as a backup linebacker and core special teamer.

Walker played 81 percent of the Jets' special teams snaps, the second-highest total on the roster, and finished with an impressive 80.2 Pro Football Focus special teams grade. It wasn't until the final month or so of the season that he saw significant snaps on defense.

Mykal Walker made the most of his late-season opportunity

Walker was one of the lone bright spots on a December 2025 Jets defense filled with practice squad players and guys signed off the street. Yes, it was garbage time, but the 29-year-old linebacker was genuinely very good.

Over the final five games of the season, Walker posted the eighth-highest PFF grade among qualified NFL linebackers with at least 130 defensive snaps. He totaled 21 tackles, a tackle for loss, and a pass breakup, and finished the entire season without a single missed tackle.

Again, it came during the final month of a miserable Jets 2025 season, and yes, it was a relatively small sample size. But it was still encouraging nonetheless. You can make a strong case that it was legitimately the best stretch of his entire NFL career.

Walker also continued to shine on special teams, giving Chris Banjo another dependable contributor on one of the NFL's best units.

Camp Countdown: Your guide to every player on the 2026 Jets roster

What would make 2026 a success for Mykal Walker

That said, it's important not to allow a five-game sample size to outweigh a player's entire career. Walker should not be viewed as a legitimate starting-caliber linebacker for the Nets entering 2026.

Instead, he'll look to secure his place as the Jets' top backup linebacker while continuing to play a major role on special teams. That's an important job, especially over the course of a 17-game season when injuries are inevitable.

The Jets have already seen Walker step into a larger defensive role when needed, and he proved capable of handling it.

Walker may never become a household name, but every roster needs dependable veterans who can contribute on defense, excel on special teams, and step into the lineup when their name is called. He showed he could be that player for the Jets last season.

Recent 2026 Camp Countdown Breakdowns

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