ESPN NFL Draft expert compares Kentucky's Deone Walker to Dexter Lawrence

Deone Walker is primed for a breakout season. On Tuesday, NFL Draft expert Matt Miller raved about Walker’s potential and warned fans to not overlook the Kentucky defensive tackle.

“Deone Walker, the big defensive tackle for Kentucky is gonna remind you a ton of guys like [former Clemson DT] Dexter Lawrence because of how well he controls the middle of the defensive line,” Miller said.

“He does have that agility — at 350 pounds nearly — to still get into the backfield and make plays, in a lot of ways similar to what T’Vondre Sweat was last year for Texas, but with better conditioning and arguably better athleticism all-around.”

If Walker can come close to matching Lawrence or Sweat’s success at the collegiate level, Kentucky fans are in for a fun year. Of course, Walker has already carved out a reputation of his own on the gridiron.

In the 2023 campaign, Walker led the Wildcats in tackles for loss (12.5), quarterback sacks (7.5) and quarterback hurries (8) despite facing endless double teams. Additionally, Walker disrupted the opponents’ aerial attacks, recording two passes defended.

For his efforts, he was named a First-Team All-SEC member by the Associated Press and a Fourth-Team All-American by Phil Steele. Additionally, prestigious awards such as the Lott IMPACT Trophy and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy placed Walker on their respective watchlists.

Fueled by Walker’s efforts, Kentucky finished the 2023 campaign with the No. 43 defense in the country, only allowing 353.5 opponent yards per game. Nonetheless, Kentucky finished the season with a 7-6 overall record and a 3-5 mark in conference play.

Deone Walker is hungry for success

Walker is hopeful to boost Kentucky to new heights in the upcoming season.

“I just want us to get over that hump. I want teams to know, I want people to know that Kentucky is a team to be reckoned with,” Walker said. “I hate the back talk. ‘Kentucky just can’t get over that 10-win season, can’t get over the hump.’ We’re going to try our hardest to show them this year.

“I want to approach it as I’m trying to leave this year, because that’s going to have me leave it all out there, no matter what. That’s going to have me going 110% every play,” he continued. “I feel like I’m going to always look at it as this is my last year, rather than, ‘It’s okay, we got two more,’ just dilly-dallying.”

Fans won’t have to wait much longer to see Walker take the field. On Aug. 31, Kentucky will take on Southern Miss at 7:45 p.m. ET in its season opener.