It’s always a good time to start considering 2025 NFL mock drafts, and my colleagues have already begun their preparations. For the Buffalo Bills, it appears they will be in a position to choose the best available talent.
In this latest mock draft, the Bills select defensive tackle Deone Walker from Kentucky. So, why would they opt for a defensive lineman? The answer is straightforward—DaQuan Jones is only committed for one more year and will be 35 when he hits free agency.
Although Ed Oliver is signed through 2027 and rookie DeWayne Carter shows promise, having multiple impactful defensive linemen is always advantageous. In today’s NFL, particularly in Sean McDermott’s scheme, he prefers big men up front who can rotate in and out effectively. Now, let’s delve into Walker’s profile. My colleague Ian Valentino remarked:
“Walker is an imposing figure at 6’6″ and 345 pounds, and the prospect of pairing him with Ed Oliver should excite Sean McDermott. The Bills need more youthful explosiveness, and Walker is an exceptional athlete capable of playing multiple roles.”
Ian captures it well—Walker is a massive, athletic talent who could benefit from shedding some excess weight. While he possesses elite size and athleticism for his position, his production this season has been inconsistent.
His 9.9% pass rush win rate ranks 39th among qualified defensive tackles, though he maintains a strong tackle efficiency with only an 8.0% missed tackle rate. Walker often faces double teams, and when he performs well, his burst and agility for his size are impressive; however, he must improve his overall consistency.
We know that Brandon Beane is drawn to developmental projects. Personally, I find the 28th overall pick too high for Walker. I would prefer to see Oregon’s standout defensive tackle Derrick Harmon taken here, as he has been significantly more effective this season if the Bills choose to draft a defensive tackle in the first round.
