The 2025 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Deone Walker NFL Draft Profile.
Position: Defensive Tackle
School: Kentucky
Size: 6-foot-7, 331 pounds
Class: Junior
2024 stats: 37 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 2 passes defended, 1 fumble recovery
As a four-star recruit in the class of 2022, Walker signed with Kentucky out of Michigan. He played well earlier in his career, notching 40 total tackles, five tackles for loss and one sack as a freshman. He helped the team win seven games that year. In 2023, Walker tallied 55 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. He once again aided the team in winning seven games. For the 2024 season, Walker racked up 37 total tackles, five tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. He took a step back and so did the team, winning just four games.
Following the season, Walker declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. He is currently projected to be a day-two pick.
Walker has elite size for an interior defensive lineman. He stands at 6-foot-7 and 331 pounds, which makes him one of the bigger defensive linemen in the class and league. With his size comes good strength as well. He has good length, with over 34-inch arms. His strength and length helps him shed blocks well.
For his size, Walker moves very well, making him a matchup problem. While it isn’t consistent, he has a quick first step at the snap of the ball. That acceleration at his size helps him build momentum up to a good top speed. He is a linear athlete, but given his size, that speed can be a lot for an offensive lineman to deal with.
His run defense is good for a few reasons. He can attack gaps to make plays, but he also sheds well. On top of that, he can anchor well too. Walker has the ability to take on and beat double teams. All of this helps his teammates make plays on the ball, but he also uses his movement and long arms to help against the run himself.
Walker is a high-cut player who doesn’t have the greatest flexibility. He can move well in a straight line, but the lack of flexibility makes it tough for him to bend or change direction. With his lack of bend, he can tend to stand straight up and lose leverage, especially given how tall he is.
The 2023 season proved that he can have an impact as a pass rusher, but he needs a better pass rush plan. He can win with his strength and athleticism, but could be more refined with his moves. Walker can add more moves and counters to his game. When his initial rush is stopped, he sometimes doesn’t know what to do to beat his man and get a sack.
His motor comes and goes, along with his production. Walker could benefit from getting in better shape, but also needs to stay locked in to reach his full potential. There are plays when he doesn’t put great effort in. He had a great 2023 season, but 2024 was rough and a more consistent motor would’ve helped.
Projected Draft Range: Second Round Pick-Third Round Pick
Draft Grade: Second Round Grade
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