Walker boasts strong skill set
by Bo Marchionte
Published November 7th, 2024, 12:37 PM
In the world of college football, it’s not always the headliners or the household names who capture my attention – sometimes, a true talent lies quietly under the radar.
Allen Walker, a standout linebacker from Jackson State, is one of those players who, despite not being in the national spotlight, has been showing the kind of skills and consistency that could attract NFL scouts’ attention.
As I’ve tried to watch him closely over the past season, Walker’s abilities became increasingly apparent. He has an impressive field awareness and a unique agility that makes him a threat on any play.
Beyond his physical talents, he shows a calmness and focus under pressure that many coaches and scouts look for in players aiming to transition to the NFL level. His contributions may not yet be widely celebrated, but he has all the makings of an impactful NFL prospect.
Walker has racked up 20 tackles, showing his ability to stop plays in their tracks and establish a strong defensive presence. His 2 tackles for loss and 1 sack emphasize his effectiveness in disrupting opponents’ backfields and applying pressure where it matters most.
The modest production isn’t indicative of an elite pass rusher; however Walker is often dropping back in coverage, which doesn’t show the statistics that folks clamor for sifting through statistics.
His skill set extends beyond traditional linebacker duties. He has already blocked a kick this season, displaying his awareness and special team’s value, and his 2 pass breakups showcase his ability to defend against the passing game, a key asset for linebackers in today’s NFL. These numbers hint at a player with well-rounded abilities – someone who isn’t limited to one role but can contribute in multiple ways.
Walker, standing at 6’2″ and weighing 234 pounds, matches up well physically with some of the NFL’s most athletic linebackers. His frame is comparable to Roquan Smith of the Ravens (6’1″, 235 pounds) and Fred Warner of the 49ers (6’3″, 230 pounds), both known for their agility and range on the field. This build gives Walker a versatile size that can contribute to both run defense and pass coverage, similar to how these pros handle various roles on defense.
In terms of speed, linebackers like Devin White from the Buccaneers (who ran a 4.42-second 40-yard dash) and Nick Bolton from the Chiefs show how a combination of quickness and play recognition can translate into big plays at the professional level. While exact testing data on Walker’s speed isn’t public, his college performance suggests that he has enough burst to make quick reads and close on the ball effectively.
This speed-to-size ratio is often sought after in linebackers who need to cover large areas of the field and defend both ground and air attacks. Walker’s build and apparent athleticism align him with linebackers who can contribute to today’s fast-paced, pass-heavy NFL, offering a profile that teams often look for in a well-rounded defender.
As Walker’s senior year continues, these stats might start to catch the attention of NFL scouts looking for a linebacker who can perform at a high level in different aspects of the game. His versatility and production on the field could make him an attractive candidate in next year’s NFL draft, showing he’s not just productive – he’s a potential asset.
