Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6′-1″
Weight: 197 pounds
School: North Carolina
Devontez Walker began his football career at North Carolina Central in 2020 but didn’t play in any games because the FCS season was canceled. In 2021, he transferred to Kent State and finished the season with five receptions, 124 yards, and one touchdown.
Walker had a great 2022 season, especially during the game against the national champions, Georgia. He had possibly the best game of his career with seven receptions, 106 yards, and a touchdown. He finished the season with 58 receptions, 921 yards, and 11 touchdowns, earning him first-team All-MAC honors.
After spending 2022 at Kent State, he transferred to North Carolina to be closer to family. He was named to the 2023 Preseason All-ACC Team, but the NCAA ruled him a two-time transfer, which was a controversial decision. Initially, he was denied eligibility for 2023, but his eligibility was reinstated after missing four games.
Walker returned to play in eight games, catching 41 passes for 699 yards and seven touchdowns. He had a remarkable game against Miami, catching six passes for 132 yards and three touchdowns in his second game back. He earned third-team All-ACC.
NFL Comparison: Christian Watson
Team Fits With Need At Position: Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Chargers, Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans, Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals
Projection: Round 3
Statistics gathered from Pro Football Focus
NFL Comparison, Round Projections, and Team Fits are my own.
Devontez Walker is a high-ceiling, low-floor prospect. He is excellent at high-pointing and is a willing catcher through contact. He has a high football IQ, good short-area quickness, and separates vertically with elite straight-line burst. Walker has a lean frame that lets early contact disrupt his routes and needs to work on his release packages to avoid getting stuck on press. He has too many focus drops and body catches and needs to develop his route running and obtain nuance in routes to reach his ceiling.
Devontez Walker was dealt a poor hand when the NCAA didn’t allow him to play in UNC’s first four games due to a wild transfer rule. Despite that, he still performed well, showing an ability to adjust quickly. Walker looked more comfortable at Kent State in comparison to his unexpected late start at UNC. His draft stock would have benefited from being able to prepare for the season the right way. At the Senior Bowl, Walker’s inconsistent hands were magnified during practice, but he also showed his elite athletic traits. His route running and hands leave much to be desired compared to the other receivers in the class, but Devontez Walker is a natural football player with a high ceiling in the right environment.
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