PFF scouting report: DeMarcus Walker, Edge, Florida State

Name: DeMarcus Walker

School: Florida State

Position fit: 3-tech and base 4-3 defensive end

Stats to know: His total of 17 sacks was second-most in the country.

What he does best:

Very active hands. Even when a tackle gets into his body he rarely stays engaged long.
Thick base. Frame that could possibly add more weight and strength.
Balance is a plus. Never gets completely washed out of a pass rush and can recover for pressures even after losing first punch.
Impressive short area agility. Crosses face of offensive lineman regularly. Inside swim move is already absolutely deadly.
Hands of a boxer at times. Vicious punch when he wants to deliver a blow.

Biggest concern:

Not athletic enough at his height to survive on the edge.
Doesn’t have much of a counter to the inside swim move. Rarely won with outside moves or bull rush.
Seemed to tire at times and have some low energy plays.
Little pop on first contact versus run. Almost always cedes ground instead of taking it.
No bend around the corner. Even turning in space looks like a chore.
Likely designated pass-rusher at next level.

Player comparison: Tom Johnson, Minnesota Vikings

Johnson has always been a guy you’re happy to have on your team, but know he’ll never be a starter. Walker could end up the same way as his body type doesn’t lend itself to playing the run in the NFL. They both possess a pass rushing ability that’s valuable on third down.

Bottom line: At the moment, Walker is a tweener. Too small to play full time inside and unathletic enough to play out on the edge. Over time he could bulk up into a full-time 3-tech, but playing the run may never be his strong suit. That said there is upside as an interior pass rusher and could step in and produce their right away.

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