Walker is one of the top big play receivers in this year’s class. He started his career at North Carolina Central before transferring to Kent State and eventually North Carolina. He caught 41 passes for 699 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2023. He finished Third Team All-ACC. 

Here is my scouting report on Devontez Walker.

Devontez Walker, WR, 6-1 193, North Carolina 

Hands – Has plus hands and can catch any ball around his frame. Smooth catching the ball vertically and on the outside. He will fight balls at times in contested catch situations. 

Patterns – Smooth, long strider who covers a lot of ground. Gets in and out of breaks cleanly and can stack and separate. Does get re-routed at times against physical corners. Plays lighter than his size as a route runner. 

Receive Long and Short –A vertical threat who can take the top off of coverage and make big plays. Has a second and third gear but struggles to gain separation at times. 

Run After Catch – Big play potential but needs to be more consistent catching the ball on the run. Did not produce nearly as much as he should have after the catch. 

Blocker – Willing and technically sound but a little light in the pants and gets overpowered at times. 

Release – Needs to use more of hips and feet in releases. Get tied up by physical press corners who can jam and re-route him. 

React to Ball/Crowd – Shows a willingness to compete for 50/50 balls in a crowd. Needs to attack the ball more in contested catch situations. 

Initial Quicks – Accelerates off the ball and has a second gear but he gets all tangled up against press cover corners gets off track.

Final Report- A potential big play receiver who ran a limited route tree at North Carolina. Needs some refinement in his game but if he gets coached, he has the skill set to be a big play X receiver.  

Draft Range- 3rd-5th Round