Summary

Deone Walker was selected in Round 4 (#109 Overall) in the 2025 NFL Draft out of University of Kentucky. A former four-star recruit, he has been a centerpiece of Kentucky’s defensive front, posting 90+ career tackles, 20+ tackles for loss, 10+ sacks, and multiple batted passes, rare production for a nose/defensive tackle at his size. Walker earned All-SEC recognition and national attention for his ability to impact both the run and pass despite frequent double teams. Coaches and evaluators consistently praise his work ethic, toughness, coachability, and team-first mentality, noting steady year-over-year improvement in conditioning and technique. It spoke volumes to me that Walker chose to play his final season in Kentucky through a painful back injury despite knowing it would hamper his production going into a draft-eligible season just so he could be there for his teammates.

Strengths

• Rare Size & Length: Truly elite frame that overwhelms interior blockers. Length allows him to disrupt passing lanes consistently.

• Power at Point of Attack: Can collapse the pocket and drive guards backward. Commands double teams, freeing linebackers.

• Run Defense Anchor: Difficult to move off his spot and controls interior gaps. Strong base provides balance against combo blocks.

• Surprising Pass-Rush Upside: Truly unique in that he generates legitimate push with bull rush and flashes swim and club moves. Can play nose, 1-tech, or shaded alignments.

Weaknesses

• Pad Level Consistency: Tall frame can lead to leverage losses, which sort of got compounded when playing through his painful back injury.

• Stamina: Best in rotational usage and conditioning must be maintained. Weight management will be an ongoing emphasis for long-term durability.

• Lateral Range: Limited chase ability outside the tackle box.

• Pass-Rush Refinement: Relies heavily on power and needs to develop more counters. More disruptive than explosive off the snap.

Outlook

Walker projects as an excellent fit for physical, gap-sound NFL defenses that emphasize interior size, run control, and pocket compression, such as Buffalo’s defensive structure. He profiles best as a 1-technique or nose tackle, where his mass and strength can anchor the middle and allow quicker interior rushers to attack on passing downs. Early in his career, Walker would benefit from a rotational role while refining pad level, conditioning, and pass-rush sequencing. Looking ahead, Walker projects as the heir apparent to DaQuan Jones on the interior with an even higher ceiling. His floor is that of a dominant run defender and double-team magnet and if conditioning and technique continue to progress, Walker has the potential to become a difference-making interior presence capable of anchoring an NFL defensive front for years. His combination of size, strength, and character makes him a high-upside investment for teams seeking long-term interior stability.