With the end of the 2024 NFL draft, that only means one thing: It's time to start looking at the 2025 NFL draft! That's right sickos, draft season is never over.
To start, we look at a mountain of a man from the Bluegrass state, defensive lineman Deone Walker.
Name: Deone Walker
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 348 lbs
Year: True Junior
College: University of Kentucky
Stats: 26 games played (24 starts), 95 total tackles (40 solo), 17 TFLs, 8.5 sacks, 1 FF, 4 PBUs
Positives
Massive Size
Walker is the first guy you want to get off the bus. At 6'6", 340+ pounds, Walker is a massive human being and it shows up on the field when he towers over offensive linemen. It's even more evident when he gets his hands on ball carriers and quarterbacks.
Foot Quickness
For someone his size, Walker's quickness with his feet is sensational. His ability to navigate double teams and slither around offensive linemen in the passing game is special. His lower body moves much faster than anyone his size should be able to.
Versatility
Kentucky lined Walker up across the defensive line on both sides and he has looked comfortable at every spot. There was one play against Florida where he dropped into coverage, something he does more often than you would think, and de-cleated the receiver. The pass ended up as an interception.
Negatives
Leverage
On the other end of that massive frame is a natural tendency to play tall out of his stance. Because of that size, he pops up off the snap and opens up his upper body to offensive linemen. Lowering his pad level will be a constant struggle he should mitigate to be a better pass rusher.
Raw
As rare a talent as Walker is, he is still not a polished defensive lineman. He needs to be more consistent using his hands and being able to disengage from blocks.
Conclusion
Walker is a rare talent who could be a difference-maker on day one for an NFL team. During his final year at Kentucky, he should, hopefully, become a more consistent force in both the run and passing game.
Despite the Falcons taking three defensive linemen in the 2024 draft, if Walker is there and the front office feels they still need to improve up front, Atlanta shouldn't hesitate to run the card up.
