The NFL Draft will begin on April 25, 2024. We take a look at Devontez Walker, the deep-threat receiver out of UNC.
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Draft scouting reports.
Walker was a three-star wide receiver coming out of West Charlotte High School in Charlotte, N.C. He began his career close to home at North Carolina Central but transferred after the team’s season was canceled due to COVID-19. Walker would head to Kent State, earning All-MAC Honors as a sophomore with 58 catches, 921 yards, and 11 touchdowns, which was tied for first in the MAC.
He wrapped up his career at the University of North Carolina where he made headlines early due to UNC’s battle with the NCAA on his eligibility. After finally being granted eligibility mid-season, he started six of the eight games he appeared in, posting 41 catches for 699 yards and seven touchdowns.
Devontez Walker, WR, University of North Carolina
Name: Devontez Walker
Jersey: No. 9
Position: Wide Receiver
School: UNC
Class: Junior
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 193 lbs.
Good illustration of how UNC WR Devontez Walker [4.36 40 yard dash, 40.5 vert] will win at the next level.
He consistently uses his deep speed to slip by CBs (Getting the best of Nate Wiggins here, who ran a 4.28 at the combine) pic.twitter.com/NdgFxRgZDW
— Eric Wells (@EWells_NFL) March 17, 2024
Devontez Walker’s Strengths
Devontez Walker clocked a 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine, and you immediately see this same skill being used both at Kent State and UNC. He didn’t have an extensive route tree, but he excelled in beating corners up the boundary with speed. He has good hands at the catch point and isn’t afraid to go across the middle. His longer frame helps him elevate and get to the high point, although he wasn’t asked to do this often.
He’s fluid in his hips and route transitions, allowing him to subtly go from top speed into his break. This ability lets him work on curl and deep in routes, with his hands sealing the deal.
Devontez Walker’s Weaknesses
Walker will need to improve his play strength at the next level to consistently stay on the field. He can bring the ball in initially but doesn’t maintain catches through the ground or heavy contact from defenders. Some additional weight could go a long way for him.
Another problem his lack of play strength causes is his inability to get off press coverage. If you turn on the Clemson tape where he matched up against Nate Wiggins, another slender player, Wiggins killed his routes whenever he got his hands in his chest.
Pro Comparison: Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Valdes-Scantling made more of a name for himself this year, but not for the best reasons. His drops take away from the deep threat that he has been for his entire career. While not as tall at 6-foot-1, Walker has the same speed and almost identical hands to be the same deep threat.
Draft Projection: Third Round
Before the Senior Bowl, there was late-first-round hype for Walker. While his outing in Mobile, Ala., made fans look at him differently, it caused scouts to re-evaluate his film. There weren’t a ton of outright drops, but there were enough play-strength questions to make teams wonder if this problem is worth risking.
You can’t teach speed, though, so there’s going to be a squad that will love to get him out there to stretch defenses. In the third round, teams like New England, the New York Jets, Chicago, and the Colts could use Walker’s skillset to get their other big-time players open underneath.
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