Two mainstays on Colorado’s defensive line are moving on, as Arden Walker and Amari McNeill have announced that they’ve declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. Both Walker and McNeill have played major roles in the Coach Prime era of Colorado football, as they came to Boulder with Deion Sanders in 2023 and stuck around until […]
Two mainstays on Colorado’s defensive line are moving on, as Arden Walker and Amari McNeill have announced that they’ve declared for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Both Walker and McNeill have played major roles in the Coach Prime era of Colorado football, as they came to Boulder with Deion Sanders in 2023 and stuck around until their eligibility ended following this season.
Walker, whose father Arthur played for CU in the late 80s, grew up a Buffaloes fan and attended Cherry Creek High School to play for legendary Buff Dave Logan. After initially playing his first two seasons of college ball at Mizzou, Walker returned to Colorado and balled out. After tallying 91 total tackles, 11 TFLs, 14 quarterback hurries, eight sacks, two forced fumbles, one PBU and a safety in 36 games as a Buff, Walker is looking to go pro.
McNeill’s route to the pros mirrors Walker’s, as he played his first two collegiate seasons at Tennessee in the SEC before coming to Boulder. In 36 games for Colorado, McNeill has accumulated 77 total tackles, 15 TFLs, seven sacks, six quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles, one PBU and a blocked kick.
With their time as Buffs over, Walker and McNeill will look for their opportunity in the NFL. Both are currently projected as late day three picks or undrafted players, but they’ll get their opportunity to prove themselves at CU’s upcoming pro day and during rookie minicamp for a pro squad.
Good luck at the next level, Amari and Arden!
Category: General Sports
