There are big boys and then there is Deone Walker.
Walker, who will enter the 2025 NFL Draft after three seasons at Kentucky, is one of the top defensive tackle prospects in this year's class. Many teams will be looking for a big guy to own the trenches, and Walker could be a steal with mock drafts projecting him to be selected late in the second round or possibly the third round.
Walker's size makes him a tantalizing prospect. He is a massive individual with the length, size and power to make him nearly impossible to guard one-on-one. He is also surprisingly athletic, with special quickness off the ball for someone of his size.
Just how big is Walker? Here is what to know about the 2025 NFL draft prospect.
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Deone Walker height
Walker is 6-foot-7, nearly four inches taller than the average defensive lineman. For reference, three-time DPOY Aaron Donald is 6-foot-3.
Calais Campbell is the tallest defensive lineman in the league at 6-foot-8. While height is not necessarily a critical attribute for linemen, it is certainly an added bonus as they are more likely to bat down passes.
Walker officially measured at 6 feet and 7.3 inches at the NFL Combine, solidifying expectations that he would be among the tallest players in Indianapolis.
Deone Walker weight
Walker's ridiculous size is about more than his height. The former Kentucky Wildcat was listed at 345 pounds, though he slimmed down to 331 pounds by the time he weighed in at the NFL Combine.
Campbell is an inch taller than Walker but only 300 pounds. Walker's massive frame, combined with his impressive athleticism, makes him a disruptive force in both the run and pass game.
Walker's force helps him collapse the pocket, shed blockers and clog running lines, making him a nightmare for opposing offensive lines.
Despite this bulk, Walker moves with surprising agility, displaying quick feet and an explosive first step that allows him to generate pressure from the interior.
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Where is Deone Walker from?
Walker grew up in Detroit, Michigan, where he attended Cass Technical High School.
He was a highly sought-after recruit coming out of high school, earning a four-star rating and drawing interest from multiple major programs. He ultimately committed to the University of Kentucky.
Deone Walker college stats
Walker had a monster sophomore season, but was unable to produce similar numbers in 2024.
| Season | Total | Solo | Assists | Sacks | Passes Deflected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 40 | 12 | 28 | 1 | 2 |
| 2023 | 55 | 28 | 27 | 7.5 | 2 |
| 2024 | 37 | 13 | 24 | 1.5 | 2 |
| Total | 132 | 53 | 79 | 10 | 6 |