Welcome to SKOL Search!
This series will be your guide to the 2024 draft class. From scouting reports to mock drafts and exploring different scenarios, we will be covering the NFL draft and the future of the Minnesota Vikings from all angles.
The focus of the draft class in this space will be on the Vikings’ major needs at quarterback, running back, defensive line and edge rusher. We will also focus on wide receiver since it’s a loaded class and an increased chance to get a Stefon Diggs-type steal in the later rounds.
The Vikings are slated to have 9 picks going into the NFL draft and they need to make the most out of them.
Background
Devontez Walker
- North Carolina
- Transfer from Kent State and North Carolina Central
- Height-6020
- Weight-200 lbs
- Fourth-year senior
- 3-Star recruit per 247 Sports
- Stats: 168 targets, 104 receptions, 1,744 yards, 16.8 YPR, 19 touchdowns, 3 rushes, 23 yards
- Games watched: Duke 2023, Clemson 2023, Virginia 2023
Strengths
Walker is a classic height/weight/speed guy or a classic X receiver. His specialty is attacking the deep levels of the field with all attributes.
At the stem, Walker’s best ability is to blow right by them, as he gathers speed quickly with his long strides and is deceitful with his speed at times.
Attacking the ball at the catch point is arguably his biggest positive. Walker was 10/17 in contested catches and is a physical force at the catch point.
Weaknesses
Walker doesn’t have the most expansive route tree. His time at Kent State and North Carolina ran offenses with Air Raid-inspired attacks that don’t have the most expansive route trees.
With that said, Walker doesn’t do a lot of separating at the stem with technique. He isn’t dropping his hips or using footwork to create extra separation.
Isn’t a receiver to get a lot of yards after catch. Only 113 this past season and 430 in his career (24.6%). Doesn’t force a lot of missed tackles either. Only forced two in 2023 and 14 in his career.
Overview
| Hands | 8.0/10 |
| Release | 7.8/10 |
| Route Running | 11.2/15 |
| Separation | 12.0/15 |
| Contested Catches | 8.7/10 |
| Tracking | 8.5/10 |
| Body Control | 8.4/10 |
| YAC Ability | 7.1/10 |
| Agility | 7.3/10 |
| Grade | 79.0/100 Third Round |
Walker gives me vibes of D.K. Metcalf in that he’s really good at contested catches and stretching the field but I’m worried that he won’t develop the nuance in his game to be a true alpha at wide receiver. The one thing that’s really difficult to judge with Walker is how much of that is going to matter? It didn’t matter much with Metcalf but Walker isn’t quite the alpha that Metcalf is. He’s going to do well in a vertical offense but can he in one that is a part of the Shanahan tree?
