Deone Walker is making strong first impression in preseason with Buffalo Bills

Former Kentucky defensive tackle Deone Walker was one of the biggest fallers in the 2025 NFL Draft. The All-SEC performer went from first-round pick all the way to a fourth-round selection by the Buffalo Bills. The Detroit (Mich.) Cass Tech product is now starting to prove that the draft slippage was a mistake.

Walker is making a clear push for playing time on this Bills defense during the preseason. In a contest against the New York Giants, the rookie recorded a pressure and one pass breakup. The Kentucky product flashed in 15 snaps. No rookie received a higher PFF grade in the first week of the preseason.

“[Deone Walker] could be a very special player in this league once he understands how to be a pro, how to take care of his body, learns the tricks of the trade,” Bills veteran defensive tackle DaQuan Jones recently said. “I think he can be a really good player.”

The former four-star recruit is making a splash for his new football team. Walker could become a rotational player for the Bills this season who could upgrade the pass rush.

Luckett’s Scouting Report: Deone Walker

Deone Walker was a three-year starter at Kentucky who turned into one of the best pass rushing defensive tackles in college football. At 6-foot-7 and 331 pounds, Walker brings a unique skill set to the position. With skinny legs, this does not look like your prototypical nose tackle, one-tech, or three-tech defensive tackle but Walker has a dancing bear play style that can create havoc.

Kentucky used Walker in a variety of alignments across the front and his next team will likely need to be willing to do the same to maximize Walker’s value. Pad level is a concern and Walker can get pushed around in the run game. Shows good movement as a rusher and can slip off blocks. Shows real athleticism for the position despite poor testing scores.

The defensive tackle has some impressive traits as a rusher and the tape to back it up at Kentucky. The junior season may have just been a one-off due to the injury. Some coaching versatility will be needed at the next level as this is not a cookie cutter projection. Walker must go to a scheme-diverse organization willing to utilize him outside the box to maximize his potential.

Luckett’s Ultimate NFL Draft Guide (KSR+)