Scouting Journals for Zayden Walker

Physical linebacker prospect who plays with a dogged effort level. Measured at around 6-foot-2, 225 pounds with arms that register under 31.5 inches before his senior season. One-time top EDGE prospect who became an off-ball linebacker prospect as a high school upperclassman. Had his best season of high school football since his freshman year as a senior. Hyper physical, showing major pop in his hands. Easily stacks and sheds blockers. Increased play speed, showing a jump in his trigger and recognition skills. Shows elite strain in tracking down plays in pursuit. Embraces contact and has some violence as a finisher. Adds value as a disruptive pass rusher and blitzer. Looks like a man amongst boys playing in a lower classification of high school football. Finished his senior season with 77 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and an interception. May have been battling some injuries as a sophomore and junior, looking to be fully healthy as a senior. Lacks ideal length. Has adequate straight-line speed, but will need to continue improving his athleticism in order to offset the lack of ideal length. End to his senior season should be taken as an encouraging sign for his long-term projection as an off-ball linebacker.

Zayden Walker (No. 5) looks like the top EDGE prospect early on. Walker was an explosive presence on both sides of the ball, leading Ellaville (Ga.) Schley County to a state title appearance as a sophomore. The 6-foot-2, 220-pounder has outstanding play strength and is a violent finisher. He flashes high-end on-field athleticism with noticeable first step quickness and the ability to chase down plays in backside pursuit. We also see the athleticism on offense, where he doubles as a dangerous running back.