If your favorite NFL team is looking for a sleeper pick at linebacker in the 2020 NFL draft, Fresno State’s Mykal Walker just might be their man.
A decorated leader for the Bulldogs, Walker recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about the incredible turnaround at Fresno State, what he loves most about playing linebacker, and why an NFL team should take a chance on him in this year’s draft.
JM: You were an All-Mountain West First-Team selection, and the Defensive MVP of the 2018 Mountain West Championship game. How do you look back on your time at Fresno State?
MW: It’s been a crazy journey. I wasn’t heavily recruited and I worked myself into an opportunity to transfer to Fresno State. I was blessed to be surrounded by such a fantastic coaching staff and teammates. We’ve done a great job turning things around as of late. We went 1-11 in 2016. I arrived in 2017. My red-shirt year, we won a bowl game and went to the championship game. My first year actually playing, we won the championship game and won a bowl game as well. You always wanna be a part of a team like that. It’s been amazing, man.
JM: What’s your favorite part about playing the linebacker position?
MW: You have to be a know-it-all. I enjoy the responsibilities that come with it. It’s my job to know where everyone on the defense is supposed to be at any given moment. I have to understand all of the schemes. I take pride in watching so much film so that when it comes to the game, I’m well prepared for anything and everything. Being a linebacker means you’re the key of the defense. You’re the glue that holds everything together. I love having that weight on my shoulders. I love being in that position.
JM: What are you most excited about over the next couple of months?
MW: I’m just taking things day by day right now. I’m just trying to enjoy the process. It only happens once. I’m out here training in Miami. I’m just a kid from California that now finds himself in Miami. To come out here and train, I’m just playing football. I’m trying to make football my job and I’m enjoying every single minute of all this. I’ve been meeting some incredible people. I’m training alongside prospects that come from all over the place. It’s been an incredibly humbling experience. I’m just blessed to be in this position. I’m taking things day by day and I won’t take anything for granted.
JM: Playing in the Mountain West afforded you the opportunity to play against some really strong competition. Who are some of the best players you’ve been tasked with covering?
MW: I have to give it up to Alexander Mattison, first and foremost. He played at Boise State. He’s such a tough match-up. He brings it all game long. Even after we won the championship game, I remember praising him in the post-game interview. He’s probably the best player I’ve ever played against. I hope to play against him again next year if everything goes right for me.
JM: He was great when he was able to get on the field for the Minnesota Vikings this year. Is there another NFL superstar you’d love to play against?
MW: I’m actually gonna switch it up and mention someone who’s on his way. Eno Benjamin from Arizona State is someone I’d love to compete against. He has “it,” man. That’s a great player right there. I’m excited for this entire draft class. Anybody I’ve ever played against, my teammates, guys I’m training alongside, I’m just excited for them. I just want the best for everybody. This is such a great experience for us all. We’re all excited to see how things shake out.
I’ve played against some of the best of the best. Even a guy like Brett Rypien, another Boise State guy. He has the ability to control an entire game from the quarterback position. I got to see him twice while I was ineligible. I think about all the big dogs in the Mountain West. San Diego State has a bunch of guys. Their running back Juwan Washington is a great player. Wyoming had a great running back in 2018. The Mountain West has had some great players throughout my time here.
JM: What do you enjoy more: Coming downhill in the run game, or dropping back into coverage?
MW: I love the run game. That’s one thing I’ve always loved and had a knack for. To me, being able to come up and stop the run just defines everything that’s great about football. It’s fast and physical. You have to attack these high paced offenses nowadays. The run game is my bread and butter.
JM: Why should an NFL team use one of their draft picks on Mykal Walker?
MW: I’m a versatile guy that can play in any scheme. I’ve played both inside and outside. I’m a special teams contributor as well. I’m a guy that’s gonna grind every day. I can play inside and I can rush off the edge. I’m just looking forward to being an asset at the next level. I’m a player that can do it all. Whichever team decides to give me an opportunity, I’m gonna run with it. I’m not taking anything for granted. I’m gonna work my butt off and earn the respect of my teammates.
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