The 2024 NFL Draft is here, making it an excellent time to highlight some of the class' best players with scouting reports. Each report will include strengths, weaknesses and background information.
Here's our report on Devontez Walker.
Walker’s game is built on speed and explosiveness, and there is no question he is a vertical dimension who can run by and get on top of corners, taking the top off the defense. Walker plays fast right off the LOS and can accelerate to high-end speed, almost instantly challenging and putting tremendous pressure on corners even when they are in off coverage.
He is one of the smoothest, most fluid wide receivers in this class, with a gliding yet sudden feel to his movement that consistently showed up on tape. Where Walker must improve to become a more complete receiver is the detail and nuance demanded to be a disciplined, higher-level route runner who can be a factor at all levels of the defense.
He is not accomplished in that, which makes him more of a one-trick pony than a multi-level receiving dimension, but the reality is speed always plays in the NFL, and it is that trait that will be in demand.
My sense is Walker will begin his NFL career as a movement Z receiver with snaps in the slot (even though he did not play many snaps in the slot at North Carolina in 2023 or at Kent State in 2022). You will want to get him off the ball with free access into his routes, so he can use his stride and speed to maximum effect.
Walker played one year at North Carolina after transferring from Kent State. Due to eligibility issues, Walker only played in eight games, but he put up impressive numbers: 41 catches, 699 yards and seven touchdowns.
Walker predominantly lined up on the outside in North Carolina’s offense in 2023, although there were some snaps in the slot.
A 56-yard TD vs. Miami is a great example of his vertical speed to run by and get on top of corners, even when they are aligned 10 yards off the ball.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!