2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Kentucky DL Deone Walker

2025 NFL Draft: Kentucky DL Deone Walker Draft Profile and Scouting Report

Deone Walker burst onto the scene as a freshman when he made a significant impact for the Kentucky Wildcats. He’s a big-bodied nose tackle that is capable of plugging up running lanes in a hurry. Walker had a career year in 2023, where he finished the season with 55 total tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, and 7.5 sacks. He officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft in December of 2024.

Deone Walker 40 Time

Projected 40 Time: 5.16 seconds

Deone Walker is a three year starter on the defensive line for the Kentucky Wildcats. He spent most of the season at defensive tackle, but was lined up at defensive end as well. However, he ultimately projects to be a defensive tackle or nose tackle in the NFL. He has good size and weight for the position. Our projected 40 time of 5.16 seconds is about a tenth slower than the league average.

Walker displays a good ability to push the offensive line and constrict running lanes up the middle. He’s capable of driving through the interior and then shedding his block to attack the ball. At 6′ 5″, he’s a large frame that can plug running lanes with ease. Will typically face double-teams and still establish and maintain leverage.

However, I would like to see him improve his stamina. There were multiple instances on film where he seemed to take a rep off to catch his breath. Unrelated, he also seems to lack explosiveness off the line of scrimmage.