MW #43

Mykal Walker

Linebacker · Fresno State

A well-traveled but productive linebacker who has racked up over 270 career tackles since starting out in Atlanta.

Mykal Walker has carved out a nine-year NFL career built on instincts and versatility at linebacker, moving through Atlanta, Washington and now New York. A former fourth-round pick out of Fresno State, he has bounced back from multiple roster cuts to keep earning playing time as a reliable run defender.

★ Fourth-round pick, 2020 NFL Draft (No. 119 overall)

★ Top-graded rookie linebacker by PFF in 2020

★ 272 career tackles with four interceptions across six NFL seasons

Path to the league

Walker began his college career at Azusa Pacific before transferring to Fresno State, where he racked up 182 tackles, including 22.5 for loss, and earned first-team All-Mountain West honors twice. The Atlanta Falcons drafted him in the fourth round, 119th overall, of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Career highlights

Walker earned the top PFF grade among rookie linebackers in 2020 and went on to start 20 games for Atlanta over three seasons, including a 66-yard interception return touchdown against Carolina in 2021. He has since played for the Bears, Raiders, Steelers, Commanders and Jets, compiling 272 career tackles, four interceptions and three fumble recoveries.

2025 season recap

Walker signed with the Jets' practice squad on September 1, 2025, and was promoted to the active roster on October 4. He re-signed with New York in March 2026 on a one-year deal.