2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina

Player Data

Name, Jersey #	Devontez Walker #9
School (Code)	University of North Carolina (NCUN)
DOB, Class Yr	06/19/2001, rJr
Height, Weight	6025, 197 lbs
40 Yd Dash	4.47
Position/Depth	WR/1st
Honors/Captainship	2022 1st Team All-MAC, Academic All-MAC
Season Viewed (yr)	2022, 2023
Games Watched	GAUN (22’), NYSY (23’), FLMI (23’), VAUN (23’)
Scout Name / Date	Ian McNice, 11/01/2023

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

2023	4 GP, 3 GS, 26 REC, 397 yds, 15.3 Y/R, 4 TD, 3 ATT, 23 yds, 7.7 Y/A
2022	12 GP, 12 GS, 58 REC, 921 yds, 15.9 Y/R, 11 TD, 3 ATT, 29 yds, 9.7 Y/A, 1 TD
2021	8 GP, 5 REC, 124 yds, 24.8 Y/R, 1 TD

Player Summary:

Redshirt Junior from Charlotte, North Carolina. A 3 star prospect (247Sports) who originally signed with North Carolina Central, then played two seasons at Kent St. before arriving in Chapel Hill. Walker was involved in a high profile story regarding 2nd time transfers and their eligibility, he was deemed ineligible by the NCAA before providing evidence showing he transferred from Kent St. to North Carolina for personal reasons (mental health, family illness). Good height, adequate weight, solid arm length, along with good AA. He plays with good acceleration, very good long play speed, slightly above-average foot quickness, and adequate COD. Solid suddenness in his footwork at the LOS, he has shown he can beat jam techniques vs DB’s with solid size and length by primarily utilizing hesitation moves. He has a limited route tree, he excels getting open on vertical patterns (7,8,9) and speed outs where he can win with long striding acceleration. Solid sitting in soft spots vs zone coverage, he keys windows in the 2nd level and uses his frame to box out defenders at the target point. Good mental processing displayed in the red zone, he attacks seams and consistently puts himself in position for potential scoring plays. Above-average ball skills, he is good using his hands in space and has a solid catch radius while on the move or stationary. Good tracking throws of 20+yds, he has good timing in his jumps when he needs to high point the ball and uses his solid size to win with body position in contested catch situations. Quality YAC ability, he plays with very good vision and will break arm tackles from any defender in space. He can improve adjusting to throws missed below his waist, he needs to get lower to get his arms beneath the ball. Marginal asset in the run game, he brings a lack of physicality and adequate effort as a blocker, he is better off running off a DB with a 9 route.

Scheme Fit:

Z WR in Spread or Pro style offense

Power Statement:

Walker brings home run hitting speed to your offense as a deep threat with effective ball skills and very good vision as an option in the quick game. He is versatile and is capable of aligning outside as well as the slot. Improving on maintaining consistent pad level through his routes so he does not forecast his breaks would help broaden his route tree and help create separation.