DE, Derek Walker, Illinois

DE, Derek Walker, Illinois

Pros:   Legitimate NFL frame. ... Good overall strength at the point of attack. ... Can anchor in the running game due to his lower-body strength and can push the tackle into the pocket.

Cons:  Not an elite athlete. ... Only phone-booth quickness. ... Struggles a bit laterally and needs an open lane to close on the ballcarrier.

Styg's Broncos Fit:  An ideal player to draft for immediate depth on the line.  He doesn't have quite the speed or strength to reach the next level, but he is capable and understands his role on the line.  He is willing and able to occupy multiple blockers, and he has the size and burst to demand double teams on a limited basis.  He is durable and gives everything he has, but he empties the cup pretty quickly and so doesn't project as a long-term solution as a starter.  For cheap, effective and immediate depth, he should be a great find.

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Scouting Reports and Offsite Links:

• Illinois' Derek Walker is a solid pro prospect, but routinely gets overshadowed by conference mates like Aaron Maybin, Brandon Grahm, Maurice Evans, Greg Middleton, Matt Shaughnessy, and Tim Jamison. The Illini senior got off to another good start in 2008, recording 18 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 1 pass broken up in coverage, 2 recovered fumbles, and even intercepted his first career pass (which he returned for a touchdown) early in the season. Unfortunately for him, as Illinois began to struggle, so did he.    [see more...]
• Possesses decent height and good overall girth and length for the position. Is a natural bender who coils up well and has a decent first step off the edge. Displays a violent outside swat move and uses his upper body strength and technique to shed blocks. Has the power and base strength to hold the point of attack and consistently set the edge or disengage from blocks.   [see more...]