The 2024 season was a huge disappointment for Kentucky football. Few players had big seasons, and the NFL prospects for many took a hit. Defensive tackle Deone Walker has been a top prospect all season, and is still predicted to be a high pick in a new NFL mock draft.
USA TODAY Sports writer Curt Popejoy released a new Christmas Day NFL mock draft, and Walker is, as expected, picked pretty early. He has been a first rounder in some, but is a second rounder in this one.
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Specifically, Walker is projected by Popejoy to be the 54th overall pick to the Denver Broncos. Denver is an up and coming team, and could make the playoffs this year. Adding defensive line help is never a bad idea for any team.
Walker is a massive defensive tackle at 6’6″ and 344 lbs. Despite his size, he has some pass rush ability and is quicker than he looks. His numbers were down this year, but his combination of size and speed will be intriguing to NFL teams.
The NFL draft is still a long way off, but there are several former Wildcats who could hear their name call. Walker will probably he the first one, however.