Can David Walker Continue his Productive Ways for the Commanders?

David Walker, DE/EDGE
School: University of Central Arkansas | Conference: United Athletic Conference (FCS)
College Experience: Redshirt Senior | Draft Age: 25 (Week 1)
Height / Weight: 6’1”/ 263 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 4th-5th round

Player Comparison: Joe Schobert

College Statistics

Player Overview

Unranked graduating from Stuttgart HS (AR), David Walker started his collegiate career with Division II Southern Arkansas, where he played two seasons, one redshirt year, before transferring to Central Arkansas ahead of the 2022 season. He dominated upon arrival, totaling 63 tackles for loss, 31 sacks, 8 passes defended, and 6 forced fumbles over three years. He amassed accolades at each level, putting together a historic career at the FCS level.

David Walker is an FCS defensive menace with an absurd motor and linear explosiveness. He is a wrecking ball on passing downs with an array of moves, darting movement, and great use of leverage with his compact frame. He is an underrated run defender, able to explode past tight ends and an aggressive pursuit defender. Common questions surrounding Walker focus on having subpar physical traits for the defensive end position according to scouts, inconsistencies with pass rushing moves, and level of competition. Walker did stand out in Senior Bowl practices in 1-on-1 workouts and had a multi-sack performance in the Senior Bowl game. David Walker is a vicious leverage rusher, projected to be a rotational defensive end with a chance to become a starter under the right system.

Awards & Recognition:

• All-American Bowl Invitee
• Senior Bowl Invitee
• Buck Buchanan Award—Top FCS Defender (2024)
• United Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year (2023, 2024)
• Atlantic Sun Conference Defensive Player of the Year (2022)
• First-Team All-Great American Conference (2021)

Metrics

Strengths

• Eye-popping athleticism.
• Explosive bull rush that staggers tackles.
• Great run pursuer in the run game with great closing speed.
• Powerful finisher in pass rush.
• Compact frame with strong lower body. Uses well to gain leverage.
• Insane production over his collegiate career.

Weaknesses

• Can overpersue and lose contain in pass rush.
• Lack of preferred arm length could be exploited.
• Has issues rushing around the edge.
• Inconsistent pass rush plan, relies on athleticism.
• Older than average prospect, 25 years old (Week 1).
• Concerns about his lower level of play.

Let’s See His Work

Interviews

How Will He Fit On The Team

Many project the Commanders will address the starting defensive end position through a major free agent signing, trade, or both. Even so, the Commanders could use the draft to find a rotational defensive end to spell either the new starter or Dorance Armstrong. What could be better than having a menace coming off the edge? This is a perfect situation for a prospect such as David Walker who will be able to contribute as a rotational end as he refines his game. Walker’s explosive traits and absurd production would be worth the Commanders taking a Day 3 gamble.