The Atlanta Falcons have shaken up their roster by releasing Linebacker Mykal Walker. Walker was drafted by the Falcons back in 2020 as the 119th overall pick. Walker was also seen as the “brains” of the defense last season, as he made sure the defense received the right calls and performed the proper blitz stunts.
Walker recorded a total of 107 tackles, 56 of those being solo tackles, one sack, and two interceptions during the 2022 season.
This sudden change makes you wonder if Walker was performing well under the new defense being coached by Ryan Neilsen. Was he a right fit? Last year Dean Pees was the defensive coordinator for the Falcons, and Walker seemed to be working well under that defensive scheme as he could be seen as the “nucleus.” Walker was claimed by the Chicago Bears shortly after being waived.
With Mykal Walker released, the Falcons signed the 2023 USFL Defensive Player of the Year, Frank Ginda. Ginda has been in the league for some time, from the Arizona Cardinals to the Miami Dolphins. In 2023 Ginda played in the USFL for the Michigan Panthers. Ginda recorded 104 tackles with the Panthers in the USFL.
Atlanta’s defense looks very exciting as it differs from last year with the new faces. The Falcons have definitely added some elite players, and one can hope this will be a promising season for them and make a huge run.
