Skip to main content
Join Now
Team Avatar
Kentucky

Kentucky DT Deone Walker declares for 2025 NFL Draft

Grant Grubbs Profile Pictureby:Grant Grubbs•12/06/24•

grant_grubbs_

Sep 10, 2022; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Kentucky Wildcats defensive tackle Deone Walker (0) reacts after making a tackle against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images
Kentucky DL Deone Walker makes a tackle against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, via Kim Klement-Imagn Images

Kentucky defensive tackle Deone Walker has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, per Kentucky Sports Radio. Walker announced his decision in a post to Instagram.

“I want to start off by thanking God for this opportunity to let me play the game that I love,” Walker said. “I want to thank Coach Stoops and all my coaches from all my years since little league football. I also want to thank all my 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 the bad days.

CLICK HERE to go to PrizePicks and use code ON3 to receive a guaranteed $50 once you play $5 in lineups!

“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 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 last 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.”

Walker spent three seasons at Kentucky. In the 2024 campaign, Walker tallied 37 tackles, 1.5 sacks and one fumble recovery. Standing at 6-foot-6, 345 pounds, Walker often faced double teams from opposing offensive lines.

Walker’s best season was in 2023 when he collected 55 tackles, 7.5 tackles and two pass deflections. For his efforts, he was named a First-Team All-SEC member and Third-Team All-American by the College Football Network.

Save $30 on your first month of Fubo by CLICKING HERE NOW!

For a limited time, you can get your first month of Fubo for as low as $49.99. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC and 200+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

Walker even made a significant impact in his true freshman season with the ‘Cats, reeling in the True Freshman All-American from On3 and PFF. Additionally, Walker was named a Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award semifinalist.

Now, Deone Walker will look to find similar success at the next level. He certainly won’t have trouble garnering interest from scouts around the league. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. listed Walker as the No. 9 defensive tackle in his latest NFL draft Big Board.