Denver Broncos agree to rookie deal with DE DeMarcus Walker
The Denver Broncos have agreed to terms on a four-year contract with rookie defensive lineman DeMarcus Walker, the team’s second round pick…
Working to sign their entire draft class as soon as possible, the Denver Broncos have agreed to terms on a four-year contract with defensive lineman DeMarcus Walker, the team’s second round pick out of Florida State.
Walker is a very exciting pass rush prospect who can play a number of positions on the defensive front, though he pretty clearly plays some better than others.
The 6-foot-4, 280 pound senior was a consensus All-American, consensus first-team All ACC selection, and the ACC Defensive Player of the Year. Past winners of the ACC Defensive Player of the Year award include Vic Beasley, Aaron Donald, Luke Kuechly, Derrick Morgan, and Chris Long.
Walker joins an illustrious list of Florida State players to win the award, including Derrick Brooks. Most recently, Bjoern Werner won the award for the Seminoles.
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As a prospect, Walker is a very interesting study. He does a great job of making plays behind the line of scrimmage, and has been remarkably productive the last two seasons, but his most significant damage is done from the interior defensive line, not off the edge.
Walker isn’t a traditional edge-bender like we’ve come to expect from players like Von Miller and Shane Ray, but he uses quickness and power to beat interior linemen and is substantially more effective in that regard.
When I watched his college tape, Walker’s ‘get-off’ when the ball was snapped was much more delayed when he played the defensive end position. I think he could develop into a very good defensive end in a 3-4 defensive front with guys like Miller, Ray, Shaquil Barrett, and Derek Wolfe around him, but he needs to hold up better against the run and get off the ball quicker.
There’s no denying his production and desire to constantly get better. Walker is one of the hardest workers and most humble guys in this year’s draft. He’s a team player and someone who will fit in great with the Denver Broncos’ culture defensively. He joins an extremely talented defensive front and will provide energy and pass rush ability right away.