Derek Walker Scouting Report

Illinois' Derek Walker is a solid pro prospect, but routinely gets overshadowed by conference mates like Aaron Maybin, Brandon Grahm, Maurice Evans, Greg Middleton, Matt Shaughnessy, and Tim Jamison. The Illini senior got off to another good start in 2008, recording 18 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 1 pass broken up in coverage, 2 recovered fumbles, and even intercepted his first career pass (which he returned for a touchdown) early in the season. Unfortunately for him, as Illinois began to struggle, so did he. Walker has good size for the defensive end position. He routinely gets his hands up when he can't get to the quarterback, and tips a lot of passes. Walker is incredibly strong and has good, but not great, speed. Walker isn't like many of the explosive edge rushers in this draft class, in that he relies more on power and technique to beat blockers. Scouts will be impressed by his motor. Even during a disappointing season, Walker managed to register 33 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, and tipped a pass at the line, and best of all he played hard all year unlike many of his teammates. In 47 games at Illinois, Walker has tallied 110 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, and 6 passes broken up in coverage. Walker plays the run well, and fits into both a 4-3 and 3-4 defensive system. These attributes, along with his consistent effort, should get him drafted in the late fourth or early fifth round. Derek Walker, like many others, ran poorly at the NFL Combine. He logged just a 4.99 second 40 yard dash, and failed to really raise his stock. Walker gives plenty of effort and will provide a team nice depth, which should keep him in the sixth round.