Deone Walker DT Kentucky | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Deone Walker DT Kentucky
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| SUB-POSITION: VERSATILE DL | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 12/06/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 5.10 seconds (52%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 20.9 DOB: 03/11/2004 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| SUB-POSITION: VERSATILE DL | |
| Last Updated: 12/06/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 5.10 seconds (52%*) | |
| Age: 20.9 DOB: 03/11/2004 | |
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| Overall Rating: | 85.1 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Offense player has faced | ||
| Offense Rating: |
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80% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| Tackling: |
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71% |
| Pass Rush: |
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84% |
| Run Defense: |
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80% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
3rd
Overall Rank:
#72
Position rank:
#23
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| College Games: 36 College Snaps: 1766 | ||
ESPN RATING: 79/100
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247 RATING: 92/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.8 (95%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phidarian Mathis - Alabama |
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62% |
| Travis Jones - UConn |
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60% |
| Keeanu Benton - Wisconsin |
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59% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Deone Walker, a native of Detroit, Michigan, first made his mark in high school at Cass Tech, where he was a dominant force on the defensive line. Rated as a four-star prospect, he was highly sought after by several top college programs before choosing to play for the Kentucky Wildcats. At Kentucky, Walker quickly established himself as a key player, earning numerous accolades and awards throughout his college career.
As a freshman in 2022, Walker was named a True Freshman All-American by multiple outlets and secured a spot on the All-SEC Freshman Team. He played in all 13 games, starting 11, and recorded 40 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, five quarterback hurries, two pass breakups, and a forced fumble. His standout performances continued into his sophomore year, where he was named a team captain and earned multiple All-American and All-SEC honors. In 2023, despite frequent double teams, Walker led his team with 12.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, and eight quarterback hurries.
Walker's career stats include 95 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, four pass deflections, and one forced fumble. His consistent ability to disrupt offenses and make impactful plays has made him a top prospect for the upcoming NFL Draft.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Massive size and length, standing at 6'6" and 348 pounds, makes him a formidable presence on the defensive line.
- Exceptional power allows him to dominate offensive linemen, often requiring double teams to contain him.
- Remarkable foot quickness for his size, enabling him to navigate through blockers and pressure the quarterback effectively.
- Positional versatility, comfortable playing across the defensive line and even dropping into coverage when needed.
- Strong tackling ability, ensuring that once he gets a hold of a ball carrier, the play is stopped.
- High motor and work ethic, consistently playing with intensity and determination on every snap.
- Excellent in run defense - has the ability to plug lanes and disrupt running plays.
- Strong leadership qualities, serving as a team captain and being recognized for his impact on and off the field.
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Tends to play too tall out of his stance, making it easier for offensive linemen to gain leverage.
- Still developing consistency with hand usage and block disengagement techniques.
- Occasionally struggles with maintaining pad level, which can affect his effectiveness in pass-rush situations.
- While versatile, he needs to prove he can handle a full NFL workload across multiple positions.
Scouting Report: Summary
Deone Walker brings an impressive blend of size, power, and agility to the table, making him a standout defensive lineman prospect. His ability to disrupt both the run and pass game, combined with his high motor and versatility, positions him as a valuable asset for any NFL defense. Walker's strengths, such as his tackling ability, foot quickness, and leadership, have been evident throughout his college career.
However, Walker is not without his flaws. He tends to play too tall at times, which can be exploited by savvy offensive linemen. Additionally, his hand usage and block disengagement techniques need refinement. Despite these areas for improvement, his raw talent and physical attributes are undeniable. The need for technical development is common among young prospects, and with the right coaching, Walker can elevate his game to the next level.
Looking ahead, Walker has the potential to be a disruptive force in the NFL. His combination of physical traits and on-field production suggests he can be an immediate contributor on a defensive line. While he may face a learning curve adjusting to the pro level, his ceiling is as about as high as it gets.
Written By:
Wyatt Brooks (SEC)
How other scouting services rate Deone Walker (Overall Rank)
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.