Denver Broncos draft DeMarcus Walker, DL, Florida State in 2nd round
The Denver Broncos used the 51st overall selection in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft on Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman DeMarcus Walker…
The Denver Broncos have turned in their card in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, and the player they have selected is Florida State defensive lineman DeMarcus Walker.
Walker was a four-year starter at Florida State and incredibly productive his senior season. This past year, he racked up 68 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 16 sacks, and three forced fumbles.
DeMarcus Walker to the @Broncos!#MambaMode #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/JOVc0C6Vih
— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) April 29, 2017
We've taken DE DeMarcus Walker with our 2nd rd pick. He was a very productive pass rusher at Florida St. and will fit in well w/our defense!
— John Elway (@johnelway) April 29, 2017
The productivity of Walker up front over the last few seasons at FSU has been outstanding. The last two years, he’s racked up 33.5 tackles for loss, 25 sacks, and seven forced fumbles. That’s the kind of productivity that will endear him to the Broncos and new defensive coordinator Joe Woods, who knows he needs guys that can be on the field in nickel situations.
Walker is that type of a player.
Built like a traditional 4-3 defensive end at 6-4, 280 pounds, walker has 33-inch arms and big hands. He’s got a good first step and is relentless in pursuing the quarterback. Here’s a bit of his report from NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein:
"Active, heavy tackler. Stack-and-shed power on the edge when pad level is right. Thick bubble and thighs with ability to carry more mass. Able to stuff cut blocks and keep his feet clean. Hasty with hands and lands first. Engages and mirrors flow of running back with square pads. Durable and dependable; played in 90 percent of the defensive snaps 2016."
This is a very interesting pick by the Broncos one year after taking Adam Gotsis at the bottom of the second round in the 2016 NFL Draft. They also signed Zach Kerr to compete to start this offseason and Jared Crick returns for another year.
I don’t think the Broncos are done adding to their defensive line, but this is a great start. Walker provides the type of playmaking off the edge that they lacked with the absence of Malik Jackson.
Plus, having another DeMarcus can’t hurt…