Defensive lineman Deone Walker leads a very talented group of players on the 2024 Kentucky football roster. He could be one of college football’s best defensive players this season, and could parlay that into an early draft selection next year.
Last season, as a Sopomore, Walker established himself as a force in the middle of the Wildcats defensive line. He was immovable as a run stuffer, but also showed an ability to rush the passer, recording 7.5 sacks. His 12.5 tackles for a loss were also impressive.
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Walker is mostly expected to be a first round draft pick next year, provided he continues to develop. How high could he go? Some think he’s a future top ten pick. On Tuesday, ESPN’s Matt Miller released a mock draft of his own, and had Walker going 21st to the Miami Dolphins. He said this about the pick:
If you like Derrick Brown and Dexter Lawrence, you’re going to love Walker. The 6-foot-6, 348-pounder is an anchor in the middle of the Kentucky defensive line but also has the quickness and agility to get after the quarterback, notching 7.5 sacks in 2023. He would immediately plug the nose tackle hole in Miami, allowing speedy edge rushers Jaelan Phillips, Chop Robinson and Bradley Chubb more true one-on-one looks coming off the corner.
Defensive tackles generally don’t get picked high without some pass rush ability, but Walker might do it well enough to get inside the top 20. Miller think he is close.