Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) is chased out of the pocket by Georgia defensive lineman Mykel Williams (13) and linebacker Jalon Walker (11) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024.AP Photo/Rodolfo Gonzalez

INDIANAPOLIS — Derrick Barnes impressed in his do-it-all linebacker role for the Detroit Lions before his season-ending knee injury.

But Barnes is heading into free agency and now stands as one of the more important decisions the Lions must make in the coming weeks. His return makes a ton of sense, based on his persistent growth under new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard and the team’s need for a reliable SAM linebacker. Barnes and Sheppard have also been together every step of the way, so it’s one of those re-signings that is easier to envision than most.

When thinking about that potential hole on Detroit’s defense, it’s hard not to see the fit and impact someone like Georgia’s Jalon Walker would bring.

Walker played all over the field last season, with snaps on the defensive line, the edge, in the box and even with 61 reps at slot cornerback. Sound familiar?

It’s an interesting discussion about Walker’s role at the next level. Some view him as a pass rusher, while others want to see him as a linebacker. Either way, Walker seems to have the skills, experience and athleticism to do both.

“I’m a ball player, so just being on the field is my favorite position,” Walker said. “Just being everywhere, you just don’t know, that anticipation of being at the outside backer one snap, and then being an inside backer one snap, then being at the star for one snap.

“It gives me the comfort that they (offenses) don’t know what element of surprise is going to hit them next.”

Pro Football Focus ranks Walker 27th among prospects. However, the analytics site is harder on linebackers than most, and with tweeners, this is usually the case. Then there is NFL Network, which has Walker ninth overall, and The Athletic has him third among all prospects.

So, there is a good chance Walker isn’t on the board at Pick 28. But if he falls in the draft based on teams questioning his fit or size? Walker is worth the pick, or even a move up the board like the Lions did with cornerback Terrion Arnold in last year’s first round.

“He is an outstanding space athlete because of his long, rangy frame, as well as his burst, change of direction and closing speed,” Dane Brugler writes in his review. “He has the versatile skill set to play man-up against backs and tight ends or put his hand on the ground and create pressure off the edge.”

Walker broke out with 60 tackles, including 11 for loss and 6.5 sacks, adding two pass deflections and two fumble recoveries last season. He had more struggles in coverage, but his ability to learn on the fly, paired with his seemingly nature pass-rush skills, make him one of the more intriguing defensive players in this draft.

He also often gets compared to former Georgia linebacker Nolan Smith, who just won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles. Smith was the 30th pick in the draft two years ago, with many of the same questions about his position and best fit.

“I do (like that comparison), just for the person and player he is,” Walker said. “He’s a relentless player and I feel like we’re wired from the same place.

“Coming in, Nolan was my older brother. Him being the leader of the team from the Georgia defense in 2022, it meant everything for me. His guidance and mentoring throughout the years were great for me.”