deone walker

Overall
Deone Walker is an imposing 6'6", 345-pound defensive tackle from the University of Kentucky, known for his physical dominance and versatility along the defensive line. A three-year starter and two-time team captain, he has totaled 132 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks over his career. In 2024, Walker earned Second Team All-SEC honors from the Associated Press and Third Team All-SEC accolades from the coaches and Phil Steele. He was also an Honorable Mention All-SEC selection by CFN and made several prestigious preseason lists, including First Team All-American honors from Sporting News and ESPN. His 2024 season saw him rack up 37 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks, despite missing one game due to injury. Walker's ability to disrupt both the run and pass game remains a key strength, highlighted by a season-high five tackles in wins over Vanderbilt and Florida and his role in Kentucky's defensive success.

Although Walker's raw physical tools are undeniable, his game requires further development, particularly in terms of consistency and pass-rush technique. While he’s shown flashes of elite potential, particularly with 7.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss in his standout 2023 season, he needs to refine his pass-rush moves and maintain a more consistent motor. His conditioning, given his size, is another area for improvement, especially for the faster-paced NFL game. Still, his accolades—including being named to the Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List, and the Outland Trophy Watch List—reflect his potential to become a game-changing player at the next level. With his blend of size, strength, and leadership, Walker projects as a high-upside prospect who could be selected in the second or third round, with the potential to develop into a dominant interior defender.

In the Pass Game
Deone Walker is an effective and disruptive pass rusher, displaying a suddenness in the way he moves. He will use a swipe move and a spin move to generate pressure. Deone Walker has inhumane strength and can push offensive linemen into their own QB or he will move them out of his way he gets his hands locked on them. However, he could benefit from refining his hand technique at times there is no plan on using his hands or setting up pass rush moves. His awareness is strong, as he consistently keeps his eyes active and looks to bat down passes when the opportunity arises.

In the Run Game
Walker demonstrates strong awareness in the run game, with active eyes that allow him to quickly recognize plays, even when engaged with blockers. His ability to disengage from blocks is because of his strength, showing active hands and quickness to shed blockers and stay involved in the play. While he flashes impressive strength at the point of attack, there is room for more consistency in maintaining leverage and anchoring when engaged with offensive linemen. With more consistent use of his lower body strength, he could improve his ability to hold his ground. Additionally, the player exhibits excellent gap discipline, consistently understanding and executing his responsibility, regardless of where he lines up along the defensive front. His awareness and attention to detail in run defense are key attributes, though there’s potential for growth in consistency. Playing less snaps or improving his conditioning may help his overall play be more consistent.

Projection
Deone Walker shows a lot of potential as a versatile defender who can line up across the defensive line and generate pressure. Needs to refine his technique, particularly his hand technique and setting defenders up when he is pass-rushing. Needs improvement creating leverage as a pass rusher and even as a run defender because he stands tall consistently. The foundation is there for him to develop into a starting-caliber player with the right coaching. Conditioning is another area he must improve to transition into playing in the NFL and creating consistency in his play, but playing as many snaps that he does at his size is impressive. He plays three downs, but it may benefit him to play less snaps and may give him a chance to be very effective when he plays at the lower snap rate. All the talent in the world when it comes to Deone Walker and if an NFL team has an effective plan to use him Deone Walker may be the steal of the draft. He has shades of Kansas City Chiefs DT Chris Jones. If Deone Walker either improves his conditioning or plays less snaps, he will be even more effective as a defensive linemen. Deone Walker on day one will improve a teams defensive line and will affect his opposing teams offensive line. Consistency is worrisome, there is a lot of hope with the solutions provided, teams will get a starter from day one, but in need of further development.