Shocking new draft favorite has emerged for NY Jets at No. 7 overall

The New York Jets rumors are flying fast and furious with just one day remaining before the 2025 NFL Draft. While popular names such as Penn State tight end Tyler Warren and Missouri right tackle Armand Membou have dominated the mock draft cycle for Gang Green, a surprising new name has suddenly emerged atop the list.

Georgia linebacker/edge rusher Jalon Walker has quietly become the odds-on favorite to be the Jets’ pick at No. 7 overall, according to ESPN’s Draft Day Predictor. It's a stunning development, especially considering Walker was viewed as more of a dark horse just a few weeks ago.

Two weeks ago, Walker had the second-highest odds to be drafted by the Jets in that same model, trailing only Membou. But in the final days before the draft, Walker has leapfrogged him to the top spot.

Walker, a do-it-all chess piece on Georgia’s defense, has experience playing both off-ball linebacker and edge rusher. His fit in a base 4-3 remains a question, but he brings the type of production, athleticism, and versatility that head coach Aaron Glenn covets.

Jalon Walker is the new favorite to be the NY Jets' draft pick at No. 7

Walker is one of the most polarizing prospects in this year’s draft class. He's a player whose elite athletic traits are matched only by the uncertainty surrounding his fit at the next level.

His versatility is both a blessing and a curse, as he gives prospective teams a true hybrid weapon while also raising questions about where he best projects in an NFL scheme.

At 6-foot-1, 243 pounds, he likely lacks the ideal frame to be a full-time edge rusher in a 4-3 front, but his explosiveness and range allow him to make an impact from multiple alignments.

Some evaluators have even drawn comparisons to Micah Parsons, envisioning him as a do-it-all defender who can rush the passer, drop into coverage, and make plays in space.

There’s no denying the projection involved with his evaluation, as Walker will need the right coaching and scheme to unlock his full potential. But if it all clicks, he could be one of the most disruptive players to come out of this class.

If the Jets take Walker at No. 7, it would be a clear vote of confidence in Glenn and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks to maximize his unique skill set. Both are highly regarded defensive minds, and if Walker is the pick, it’s safe to assume they have a specific and intentional vision for how to deploy him.

Many Jets fans might be underwhelmed by the idea of drafting a linebacker or hybrid defender at No. 7, especially with offensive playmakers like Warren and Membou still potentially on the board.

After all, offense remains the team's most glaring need. But if Walker hits, he has the talent to become an All-Pro caliber defender, and possibly one of the best players on a defense that already features Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams.

Walker may not be the flashy offensive name many fans are hoping for, but there’s a very real chance he’s the Jets’ pick at No. 7. Jets fans should prepare themselves for a potential draft-day curveball.

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