Major binkie alert. I try to be unbiased with these reviews, but this guy is just a joy to watch. I'd love to have him here.
DeMarcus Walker
6’3
273
Definition of an effort player. Walker most likely will not impress with his 40 yard time, but testing numbers are nearly meaningless when considering his style of play. With 16 sacks this year and 10.5 last year, he knows how to get to the quarterback. Off the field, he already has his degree. Well respected and lauded as a hard worker. Throwback type who says he looks forward to the “old school game — **** Butkus, Jack Lambert type of football.” He plays all over the line, inside and out, and holds up well against the run. He’s listed at 6’3 but will probably measure in at 6’2. He has a square, sturdy frame and likes to maul people.
Let's be clear: Walkers is
not the big, fast defensive end prototype that everyone wants. He's not a freaky athlete or a can't miss, top 10 sort of prospect. Initially, I was pretty down on him as a player due to lack of speed, but the more games I watched from the last couple of years, the more I became convinced that he will carve out a solid career by sheer effort. After the Combine, I fully expect his stock to plummet. To me, that means he has incredible value when compared against the market; if he's available in the 2nd round, he could be the steal of the century. Overall, he reminds me of Trey Flowers, who has similar size and speed (only ran a 4.93 at the Combine), but has incredible power and explosion for his size, along with tenacity and great technique. Who wouldn't want another tough player like that on our team?
I can only post 5 embedded gifs per post, so I'll probably do a part II follow up later with some of my favorite moments, particularly from the Ole Miss game this year (4.5 sacks, all in the 2nd half).
Positives:
+ Stonewalls run blockers with a powerful punch
+ Sets a hard edge
+ Great hand fighter; looks like a boxer on the field
+ Exceptional core strength to hold his ground and shed blockers
+ Thick, powerful build; works hard in the weight room
+ Elite production; led the nation in sacks
+ Experienced rushing from inside/outside and right/left
+ Disciplined, well-composed player who shows awareness against cutback runs
+ Does not often compromise lane integrity in his rush
+ Defibrillator pads for hands; when he jolts blockers, sometimes sends them flying!
+ Hyper aware on the field: bats passes, sniffs out screens and misdirection, etc
+ Often gets more effective as the game wears on; better conditioned than his opponent
+ Tough, aggressive, hard-nosed player
+ Powerful hands; can drag down players with one arm if necessary
Negatives:
- Not the fleetest of foot when asked to play in space
- Not likely to be useful in man to man coverage
- May struggle adjusting to the speed of the NFL game
- Pops upright off the snap too frequently, negating his natural leverage
- Occasionally looks like he's stuck in quicksand compared with the players around him
+ Needs to be more consistent throughout entire game, not just when the opponents are tired
Walker shows a great feel for the game. He watches Watson's eyes, recognizes that it's a quick throw, and breaks off his rush to get his hands in the air. Savvy player.
Later on in the same game, Walker makes the same type of play from the other side of the line. These passes batted down don't get people as excited as a sack, but they can still stall a drive and shut down an offense:
In case I've understated his athleticism, he has plenty of get off to turn the corner and get the sack. Good lean and rip:
Big strip-sack in the 4th quarter while lined up inside. The violent, coordinated way his arms and body work in concert reminds me a ton of Trey Flowers. Too much for the guard to handle:
Another pass batted down (he might have more disruption in passing lanes than any player I've watched this year). Great awareness as part of a three-man rush. Sound familiar? The Patriots led the league in rushing three or fewer, if I recall.
