SACK SURGE: Will Atlanta Falcons’ Jalon Walker EXPLODE Into Double-Digit Sacks in 2026?

Atlanta Falcons fans have reason to be excited as Jalon Walker looks to break into double-digit sacks in his sophomore NFL season. Can Atlanta's first-round edge rusher keep climbing, or is the hype too high? Numbers show promising historical trends for Year 2 edge leap, but can Walker capitalize on snap increases and maximize his high pressure rates to become the defensive anchor Atlanta needs? Aaron Freeman examines projections for both Walker and James Pearce, unpacking why optimism runs higher for Walker and why a sophomore slump or looming suspension could limit Pierce’s production. The analysis dissects sack rate volatility, snap projections, and NFL history—highlighting comparable players like Aidan Hutchinson, Micah Parsons, and Travon Walker. Insightful discussion centers on what a successful second year truly looks like, the sustainability of high sack totals, and whether Atlanta finally has the dynamic pass rush duo fans have long awaited. #atlantafalcons #nfl #jalonwalker #jamespearce #micahparsons #vonmiller #travonwalker #tyreekhill 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  If you’re starting a business, or running one that deserves better tools, Square helps you sell, manage, and grow without slowing down. Right now, you can get up to $200 off Square hardware at https://square.com/go/LockedOnNFL.  Indeed  Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast.  Gametime  Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase.  FanDuel  Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.  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.