DAWG VS. CAT: Can Jalon Walker ELEVATE the Falcons Defense During James Pearce's Suspension?

Atlanta Falcons’ edge rush questions loom as Jalon Walker flashes breakout potential, while James Pearce faces a volatile future both on and off the field. Can the Falcons’ pass rush maintain last season’s momentum with Pearce likely suspended six games for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy? Host Aaron Freeman breaks down why Walker’s versatility could anchor Jeff Ulbrich’s 4-man rush, while Azeez Ojulari and Samson Ebukam eye expanded roles. Insightful film analysis distinguishes high- from low-quality sacks in Pearce’s rookie season, and raises concerns about regression for the defensive line. The discussion spotlights run defenders like Zach Harrison, Cameron Thomas, and Bralen Trice, weighing who can emerge as the Falcons’ next impact edge. Which young Falcon will rise, and can Atlanta’s revamped front thrive without its most explosive pass rusher? #atlantafalcons #nfl #trainingcamp #jalonwalker #jamespearce #samsonebukam #azeezojulari #jeffulbrich #zachharrison #cameronthomas #bralentrice #deangelomalone #rogergoodell Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas - Imagn Images Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-falcons/ Locked On NFL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, & More 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/nfl Become a Locked On Falcons Insider for in-depth analysis every day! https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonfalcons Join our Discord server! https://discord.gg/lockedonfalcons Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonfalcons.supercast.com/ Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/lockedonnfl! #squarepod Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDON. Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Ultra Pouches Don’t sleep on Ultra Pouches. New customers get 15% Off with code LOCKEDONNFL at https://takeultra.com! #UltraPouches #ad Warby Parker Our listeners can buy one pair of glasses and get 20% off any additional pairs at https://WarbyParker.com/LOCKEDONNFL — and using our link helps support the show. #WarbyParker #ad Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at https://sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit https://FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit https://ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit https://ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.