**Height:** 6’6″ (unofficial)
**Weight:** 348 lbs (unofficial)
**Year:** Junior
**Pro Comparison:** To Be Determined
**Scouting Overview**
Kentucky Wildcats defensive tackle Deone Walker is an exceptionally large and athletic player positioned at the center of the defensive line. He showcased an impressive surge in 2023, achieving notable sack totals despite his considerable size. However, his true worth as an NFL prospect lies more in his potential to develop as a run defender. Walker’s ability to penetrate gaps and pressure the quarterback is variable, but he possesses the speed and bulk needed to disrupt the pocket effectively. While his hand technique is active, it can be inconsistent. Depending on the team and scheme, Walker’s baseline role appears to be as an early-down player who can cause disruption in the middle.
**2025 NFL Combine Results**
TBD
**Positives**
– Surprisingly agile for his size
– Demonstrates good pass-rushing intelligence and the ability to counterattack offensive linemen
– Potential to excel in a role focused on penetration or as a two-gapping defender
**Negatives**
– Initial explosiveness can be inconsistent, and he occasionally rises too quickly from his stance
– Lacks flexibility, making him an easier target for blockers
– Less effective if his initial burst is neutralized
**Background**
Walker grew up in Detroit, MI, attending Cass Technical High School, where he played both offensive and defensive tackle. He was a highly regarded 4-star recruit in the 2022 class and received offers from numerous prestigious programs, including Michigan, Alabama, and Georgia, before committing to Kentucky in December 2021. During his time with the Wildcats, he became a starter, achieving 36 starts in 37 games over three seasons and earning multiple honors, including First Team Freshman All-American and Second Team All-SEC in consecutive years. Walker declared for the 2025 NFL Draft in December 2024, opting not to utilize his final year of eligibility.
**Tale of the Tape**
Walker’s pass-rush abilities garner attention, but his NFL transition may depend more on his role as an interior player. His size makes him difficult for offensive linemen to displace, and he shows the strength to effectively shed blocks at the point of attack. His length and power are assets when played inside, with more of a focus in 2024 on penetrating roles compared to earlier seasons when he was positioned more broadly on the line.
Using him outside or in wider alignments could challenge his ability to maintain balance and effectively pursue the quarterback. Ideally, Walker would function best as an interior defender who uses his hands and quickness to disrupt plays before getting into the backfield. His surprising lateral agility has contributed to successful plays, but he is less effective when opponents counter his initial charge.
Although Walker achieved significant sack numbers in his sophomore year, those statistics may not accurately reflect his professional potential, similar to past players. Unless he undergoes a significant physical transformation, many teams may hesitate to keep a 350-pound defensive tackle on the field in obvious passing scenarios, diminishing the value of his occasional stand-up rushing plays.
Walker often struggles with discipline in his stance; he may rise instead of driving forward, making him vulnerable to being overpowered by blockers. This often renders him ineffective during plays. His energy levels can fluctuate, which is expected for a larger player with extensive snap counts, but when motivated, he can still pursue effectively against outside run plays. It would be beneficial for teams to manage his workload to enhance his conditioning.
**Ideal Scheme Fit and Role**
Walker is best suited as an athletic A-gap defender in a multiple-front NFL system. He lacks the explosiveness to consistently take on true 3-technique roles. With improvements in his pad level and anchoring, he could solidify a spot for early downs and short-yardage situations, making him a developmental asset in a defensive rotation.
**Grade:** 73.00/100.00, Fourth Round Value
**Big Board Rank:** TBD
**Position Rank:** TBD
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