Deone Walker Drafted by Buffalo Bills in 2025 NFL Draft
The Buffalo Bills made a bold move in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, trading up 23 spots to select Kentucky defensive tackle Deone Walker with the 109th overall pick. Following their earlier selection of TJ Sanders, the team continued to focus on strengthening the interior of their defensive line.
Physical Attributes and Potential
Walker stands out with rare physical tools—measuring 6-foot-7, weighing 331 pounds, with 34.5-inch arms and an 84.1-inch wingspan. These traits make him an ideal candidate for the one-technique defensive tackle role, where he can anchor the run defense and disrupt passing lanes. While his upper-body strength and reach are notable, scouts suggest he needs to improve his lower-body power and pad level. Despite some areas for development, he recorded 7.5 sacks in 2023 and earned Second-Team All-SEC honors. Walker is expected to back up veteran DaQuan Jones initially, with a chance to compete for a starting role in 2026.
Strengthening Ties to Kentucky
Walker becomes the third Kentucky player to join the Bills this offseason, joining cornerback Maxwell Hairston and running back Ray Davis. His college career was marked by consistency and leadership—he started 36 of 37 games, tallied 132 tackles, 10 sacks, and 13 quarterback hurries, and served as a team captain twice.
Analysts view Walker as a high-upside talent. Dane Brugler of The Athletic described him as a unique athlete with balance and agility for his size but emphasized the need for technical development at the pro level. Buffalo’s investment in Walker signals a strategic effort to bolster their defensive line with size and long-term potential.
