Deone Walker to End 2024 Season as Top College D-Lineman

The 2025 NFL draft class features Kentucky defensive lineman Deone Walker.

Ranking high on the 2025 Consensus Big Board, this Wildcats defender could be taken in the top 10.

In 2023 Walker produced:

28 tackles

7.5 sacks

51 pressures

Why is he being projected so high?

As always, Walker’s ranking isn’t random. Those stats provide a clue.

The first thing that must be mentioned is his size ⎯I mean look at the picture

He is unquestionably dominant and has all the strength you’d imagine comes with someone of his stature. Walker blows past o-linemen like turnstiles, even shoving them out of the way with just one arm at times.

Agility

The way Walker moves for someone his size is incredibly impressive, chasing down ball carriers and getting to the quarterback quickly. His footwork is also imposing as he possesses the ability to maneuver around blockers and deploy counter pass rush moves. He’s extremely versatile, looking comfortable all across the defensive line, even occasionally dropping back in coverage.

This combination of size and agility also makes his highlights very fun to watch.

As you can imagine, Walker is a brick wall against the run, a moving brick wall. Not only does he clog up lanes, but he possesses the ability to make a tackle on a cutting running back attempting to avoid him.

Why not draft him?

In terms of Walker’s weaknesses, there’s only one main issue appearing on tape: his technical development. While not uncommon and not necessarily a concern, his hand usage, posture, and pad level could all use some work.

Jaccoma’s Bottom Line

Can he help an NFL team win? – An emphatic yes.

Whatever team is lucky enough to land Walker should be elated. His combination of size, strength, and agility is enticing for a team that immediately needs a difference-maker. His versatility will be incredibly valuable to a team rebuilding its defensive line.

2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report

#0 Deone Walker 6-foot-6, 345 pounds

Philip Jaccoma Jr.’s 2024 Summer Grade: First-Round

Projected by 72.7% of the NFL Draft Community to be a first-round pick as of August 8, 2024 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

Game film reviewed (2023): Ball State, Eastern Kentucky, Akron, Vanderbilt, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi State, Alabama, South Carolina, Louisville, Clemson (Gator Bowl)

Monster prospect with a staggering frame and strength. Remarkable agility for his size that can’t be stated enough. His bullrush was so effective at times it looks like he was unblocked. Flashes swim and spin countermoves on tape. Gets his hands up. Excels against the run. Great vision. Decent closing speed for his size. Stout tackler. Great instincts when tackling. Occasionally drops into shallow coverage. Looks like he enjoys the game. High motor. Never takes plays off. No injury concerns.

What to watch for during the 2024 college season

1. Continued technical refinement in pass rush
2. Determining where on the line he plays best
3. Putting any conditioning concerns to rest

Philip Jaccoma Jr. is a rising junior at Rutgers University, pursuing a major in Journalism and Media Studies and a minor in Sports Management. As well as being an aspiring writer and draft analyst for FirstRoundMock.com, he is a sports writer for his school’s student newspaper, The Daily Targum, and a sports broadcaster and producer for WRSU-FM, Rutgers radio. To view more of Philip’s work, follow @PJaccoma on X.