FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Barks could be heard not only in Athens but around the city of Atlanta on Thursday night.

Because with the No. 15 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons selected University of Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker. He became the first player from Georgia to ever be drafted by the Falcons in the first or second rounds.

"It's one of the biggest blessings of my life honestly," Walker said. "And of course, having the title of being the first Dawg ever to be a first-round pick from the University of Georgia is great. And of course, I'm just excited to start my journey in Atlanta."

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The 21-year-old will arrive at the team facility Friday for his introductory press conference, among other team-related activities.

Walker spent three years at Georgia, totaling 11 starts (all in 2024) and appearing in 43 games. He accrued 12.5 sacks and 18 tackles for a loss across his career. Last year, however, was a standout year for Walker in his first as a starter. He finished his final season with the Bulldogs recording 6.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for a loss.

Instead of being at the draft itself in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Walker was at home with his family for the evening's festivities. He's originally from Salisbury, North Carolina, which is about a four-hour drive from Athens or Flowery Branch and just about five hours away from Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where Walker will now be spending most NFL Sundays.

"It's been so hectic," Walker said. "I got a big family. My family could probably fill up Mercedes-Benz with everybody coming to the games now. They're there for support. They're there to celebrate this bless with me. We're all excited just to be a part of the Falcons program."

Walker is no stranger to Mercedes-Benz Stadium either, having played in the Falcons' home four times already. He did so at least once a year while in college.

The Bulldogs went 3-1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium during Walker's time. Georgia beat Oregon, 49-3, in the 2022 season opener. Georgia lost to Alabama, 27-24, in the 2023 SEC championship. And then, Georgia beat Clemson, 34-3, in the 2024 season opener and Texas, 22-19, in the 2024 SEC championship.

"It's a great feeling to be back in Mercedes-Benz," Walker said. "I just can't wait to get there."

Walker joins a Falcons team that currently features two other former Georgia players. Fellow edge defender Leonard Floyd is also new after signing as a free agent just last month; he was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2016. Tight end Charlie Woerner, meanwhile, signed as a free agent last year; he was originally drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2020.

Speaking of Woerner, his uncle, Scott, was an All-American defensive back at Georgia and played on the 1980 national championship team. He previously held the honor of being the highest Bulldog to ever be drafted by the Falcons, when he was taken 80th overall in the third round in 1981.

Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot had drafted three different Georgia players since coming to Atlanta in 2021. Defensive tackle Zion Logue was the latest, a seventh-round pick in 2024, while offensive lineman Justin Shaffer and tight end John FitzPatrick were both taken in sixth round of the 2022 draft.

It was actually quite the surprise Walker was still available for the Falcons midway through the first round. Many experts predicted Walker to be selected in the top 10, but that was far from his mind on Thursday night.

"It really doesn't matter to me at this point," he said. "I mean, I've already got this hat on. I'm ready to go to work. It's a congratulations to all the guys who got picked before. But I feel like what God says goes. And I'm here to stay in Atlanta."

After three years of living in Georgia due to the Bulldogs, Walker has four – possibly five – now on tap in state thanks to the Falcons. He won't have to trade in his red and black for other team colors. And he hopes his existing fans stick with him through the transition.

"Rise up," Walker said. "We're here, and we're ready, baby."