2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Devontez Walker

Last Updated: 2/21/2024

Devontez Walker has had a turbulent and uphill climb to get to this point in his career. He started with a commitment to NC Central, but an ACL injury and the pandemic year caused him to transfer to Kent State. He had two impressive years there, earning first-team All-MAC Honors in 2022. He attempted a second transfer, with the NCAA getting involved and blocking Walker, forcing him to miss the first four weeks of the 2023 season. Once he was granted eligibility, he posted 699 yards and 7 scores on only 41 receptions. 

When it comes to Walker’s physical tools, the one thing that pops off the screen is his speed. He has the ability to erase cushions with ease by running past defenders. His speed is paired with good fluidity off the line and within his routes, but he is lacking when it comes to lateral movement. We hardly see him create any separation when asked to execute a hard breaking route unless it’s a curl or comeback. He does excel in the soft breaking routes and finding the soft spots in zone coverage. This lack of ability has limited his route tree, which is less than ideal. His ball tracking skills are above average and when paired with his speed offset this though and make him a big play waiting to happen. 

At the catch point, Walker does a good job finding the ball in the air and high pointing the ball most times. On the other hand, we do see him fail to corral the catch more than we would like. He either has poor hand placement or allows it to come to his body, leading to a frustrating number of drops. He does show good body control and sideline awareness at the catch point. Walker offers some after the catch but is not going wow you with any elusiveness or YAC awards anytime soon. 

• Speed 
• Ball tracking 
• Body control 

• Hands 
• Route exposure 
• Stiffness 

• First-team All-MAC (2022)
• Third-team All-ACC (2023)

• 40-yard dash: 4.36s
• 10-yard split: 1.54s
• Vertical: 40.5″
• Broad Jump: 11’2″
• Three-cone: TBD
• Shuttle: TBD
• Bench: TBD

• X receiver 

Devontez Walker is far from a finished product and needs plenty of refining to become a weekly fantasy asset. He will be best suited for a perimeter role in an offense that can stretch the field. More than likely he will be relegated to a role that will make him a boom-or-bust fantasy asset at best. There is also a real chance that Walker never offers any fantasy viability.