UK defensive tackle Deone Walker declares for the NFL Draft

Posted by Admin December 6, 2024 NFL

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – UK junior defensive tackle Deone Walker has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft.

In a statement posted to his Instagram, he said:

“I want to start off by thanking God for this opportunity to let me play the game that I love. I want to thank Coach Stoops and all my coaches from all my years since little league football. I also want to thank all teammates along the way that I get to call my brothers. Finally I want to thank my mom and dad. They have been there for me through all the good days and bad days.

To BBN, I want to thank you for all of the great Saturday environments over the last 3 years. I haven’t felt anything but unconditional love from this fanbase and team. I’m so grateful that you let me in with open arms and allowed me to live the dream that I’ve had since I was a little kid. I’m proud to be a Wildcat and I know that I made the right choice being here since high school.

Say it with me one las time… GO- BIG- BLUE.

With that being said, after a lot of prayer and consideration, I have decided to take my talents to the next level and declare for the 2025 NFL Draft.”

The Detroit, Michigan native is listed at 6′6″ and 345 pounds and was considered a top professional prospect heading into the 2024 season. The big man dropped off several big boards after Kentucky’s 4-8 season, but Sporting News still projects him as a first-rounder with pick number 25 to Atlanta.

This year Walker totaled 37 tackles, five tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two pass break-ups and, two pass deflections.

Walker is the first Cat from the 2024 squad to declare for the draft.

The 2025 NFL Draft is April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.