Devontez Walker NFL Draft Profile
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6′-1″
Weight: 197 pounds
School: North Carolina
2024 NFL Draft: Devontez Walker Scouting Report
Devontez Walker began his football career at North Carolina Central in 2020 but didn’t play in any games because the FCS season was canceled. In 2021, he transferred to Kent State and finished the season with five receptions, 124 yards, and one touchdown.
Walker had a great 2022 season, especially during the game against the national champions, Georgia. He had possibly the best game of his career with seven receptions, 106 yards, and a touchdown. He finished the season with 58 receptions, 921 yards, and 11 touchdowns, earning him first-team All-MAC honors.
After spending 2022 at Kent State, he transferred to North Carolina to be closer to family. He was named to the 2023 Preseason All-ACC Team, but the NCAA ruled him a two-time transfer, which was a controversial decision. Initially, he was denied eligibility for 2023, but his eligibility was reinstated after missing four games.
Walker returned to play in eight games, catching 41 passes for 699 yards and seven touchdowns. He had a remarkable game against Miami, catching six passes for 132 yards and three touchdowns in his second game back. He earned third-team All-ACC.
Strengths
- Devontez Walker tracks the ball well and has excellent hand-eye coordination. Good at back-shoulder throws. Great at high pointing and a willing catcher through contact;
- He’s a big play machine. He wins deep and has good long speed- clocked at 22 mph. angle eraser;
- Walker displays high football IQ, finding soft spots and catching points. Adjusted quickly midseason after the 2023 transfer drama. He looked more comfortable at Kent State when he had time to gel;
- He’s a fluid athlete with good short-area quickness. Walker separates vertically with an elite straight-line burst. Could separate with route running in addition to speed if developed correctly;
- Walker is a nice length, size, and speed combo. Walker’s height and long arms enable him to reach defenders;
- Vs. 2024 Draft Wide Receivers: Average Depth Of Target 18.2 (2nd).
Weaknesses
- Devontez Walker is not physical. Lean frame lets early contact disrupt his routes. He needs to work on his release packages because he can get stuck on the press when not using his hands;
- He has too many focus drops and body catches. There are too many drops on the resume. His hands are a big red flag that was magnified during the Senior Bowl;
- Walker had a small route tree at UNC. Right now, he’s a one-trick pony;
- Devontez Walker needs to develop his route running and obtain nuance in routes to reach his ceiling. He has wasted movement, a lack of intention in his routes, and has trouble throttling in routes;
- With his athletic profile, he should have burned more defenders;
- Walker has limited play strength and isn’t a strong receiver despite having the frame to be;
- Vs. 2024 Draft Wide Receivers: Pro Football Focus Receiving Grade 68.3 (33rd), Yards Per Route Run 2.28 (24th), Yards After The Catch Per Reception 2.8 (36th), Target Dominator Percentage 22.1% (17th).
NFL Comparison: Christian Watson
Team Fits With Need At Position: Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Chargers, Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans, Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals
Projection: Round 3
Statistics gathered from Pro Football Focus
NFL Comparison, Round Projections, and Team Fits are my own.
Bottom Line on Devontez Walker
Devontez Walker is a high-ceiling, low-floor prospect. He is excellent at high-pointing and is a willing catcher through contact. He has a high football IQ, good short-area quickness, and separates vertically with elite straight-line burst. Walker has a lean frame that lets early contact disrupt his routes and needs to work on his release packages to avoid getting stuck on press. He has too many focus drops and body catches and needs to develop his route running and obtain nuance in routes to reach his ceiling.
Devontez Walker was dealt a poor hand when the NCAA didn’t allow him to play in UNC’s first four games due to a wild transfer rule. Despite that, he still performed well, showing an ability to adjust quickly. Walker looked more comfortable at Kent State in comparison to his unexpected late start at UNC. His draft stock would have benefited from being able to prepare for the season the right way. At the Senior Bowl, Walker’s inconsistent hands were magnified during practice, but he also showed his elite athletic traits. His route running and hands leave much to be desired compared to the other receivers in the class, but Devontez Walker is a natural football player with a high ceiling in the right environment.
Main Photo: [Ken Ruinard] – USA Today Sports
