FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at North Carolina receiver Devontez “Tez” Walker.
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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Devontez Walker
Devontez Walker (WR – North Carolina)
6’2″ – 200 lbs.
Background:
North Carolina native who originally attended NC Central. After the 2020 season was canceled, transferred to Kent State, and caught five passes in his first season there before taking over a starting role the following year and posting 58-921-11 (15.9). Transferred to the Tar Heels and was originally declared ineligible, but the decision was overturned after he missed four games. Over the remainder of the season, caught 41-699-7 (17.0) before declaring.
Positives:
Has been an effective producer over the past two years. Tall, long-limbed receiver with a relatively sturdy build. Lined up split out wide, and also tighter to the formation or in the slot on occasion. Long-strider who eats up cushions quickly and was used as a deep threat at the college level, showing impressive top-end speed. Was also an effective option down the seams from the slot during the games reviewed. Able to stay on track when opposing defenders try to re-route him. Does a nice job dipping his shoulder and slipping past defenders sitting in zones. Presents a pretty big target and can adjust to balls away from his frame pretty effectively. Shows good body control and flexibility overall. Awareness and footwork near the sidelines look good. Competitive and elusive with the ball in his hands; able to spin off of contact and fall forward at the end of plays. Shows a nice burst in space and looks very dangerous with some room to work. The team tried to scheme him chances to work in space on screens, reverses, shallow crosses, and other such routes.
Negatives:
Wasn’t really a high-volume receiver this year, and game-to-game output was a bit feast-or-famine. Looks like he runs a relatively simple route tree, with a lot of deep routes, seams, curls, speed outs, deep ins/daggers, and screens. Was working against a lot of soft cushions during the games reviewed, so it was hard to get a feel for how well he’d release against press, and he didn’t have to use too much nuance as a route-runner on those snaps. Could commit more when executing double-moves. Would like to see him work his way back to the ball on curls and other such routes. Has dropped 10 passes against 99 catches in the past two years. Wasn’t able to climb the ladder as effectively as anticipated during the games reviewed.
Summary:
A big, long-striding deep threat with very good speed and the ability to break and elude tackles in space. He’ll probably have to continue polishing his route-running skills and cut down on his drops, but his dynamic athleticism fits well in the modern game, so it wouldn’t come as a surprise if he went somewhere on the second day as a big-play threat for an aggressive team that likes to attack downfield.
Projection: Round 3
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