Overview
Position: Offensive Tackle
Height: 6’7”
Weight: 313 Lbs.
School: Stanford University
Pro Day Performance Data
40-yard dash: 5.26 seconds
Vertical jump: DNP
Broad jump: 9’3”
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 24
Walker Little 2021 NFL Draft Profile
Plagued by injury but clearly full of talent, Walker Little is one of the most unique prospects in this year’s draft. When watching his film, it’s clear Little is a physical specimen. Appearing and having the physical mold of the idea NFL left tackle, there are clearly traits that normally accompany a first-round talent. Little is (ironically) very tall, athletic, and plays with tremendous footwork in pass protection. Further, he plays with a high football IQ, easily identifying blitzes and stunts better than just about any 22-year-old talent. His intelligence shines on the tape, as defenses never seem to outsmart the tackle.
However, there just isn’t very much tape on the prospect. Little was playing as well as any offensive tackle in college during the 2018 season, but teams wouldn’t get much proof of concept. His 2019 ended after only one week due to a knee injury and he opted out of the 2020 season. Still, he looked awfully impressive at his pro day this spring. Still, knee injuries to lofty linemen early in their playing careers can prove dangerous. Due to the injury factor, Little’s draft stock provides much intrigue ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft. His ceiling as a long-term starting tackle, however, will keep him in the conversation during the early rounds.
Strengths
- Incredible size and frame make him an ideal NFL tackle
- Athleticism allows him to contain a wide variety of pass rushers
- High intelligence allows him to identify stunts and blitzes at the snap
- Overall high football IQ benefits the entire line
- Has quick feet and recovers well in protection
- Looks quite hard to beat in pass protection
- Fires off the ball, gets out of stance with ease
- Hands have impressive strength; can control a defender all play if he gains control
Weaknesses
- Injury red flags are very real and a major concern
- Power rushers tend to knock him off his base
- Despite his height, his length isn’t ideal for the position
- Needs to pack a bigger punch at the line
- Doesn’t run block that well and doesn’t seem to drive through his target
- Inconsistent ability to protect the edge
NFL Comparison: Anthony Castonzo
Teams With Need at Position: Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans,
Projection: Late Second Round
Bottom Line on Walker Little
Entering the NFL Draft this spring, Walker Little has to overcome some serious questions about his health. From there, he has to prove to teams that he can add weight and contain overwhelming blockers. While his height does provide a good start for an NFL tackle, he’ll get overwhelmed at the next level without some weight gain. Still, Little projects to be a really interesting option at the right tackle for a team’s future. Given that he’s made one appearance since the start of 2019, he shouldn’t be expected to be a day-one starter. On the other hand, the ability for Little to grow into his frame could him an enticing solution for the future.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
