David Walker looks to be the next NFL Draft pick from Central Arkansas.
The Bears have had four selections since 2015 — WR Dezmin Lewis in the 2015 seventh round, Jonathan Woodard in the 2016 seventh round, Tremon Smith in the 2018 sixth round, and Robert Rochell in the 2021 fourth round.
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David Walker NFL Draft Projection
David Walker is projected to be selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft via Draft Scout’s database.
Update: Tampa Bay selected Central Arkansas DE David Walker in the 4th round
He is ranked as the No. 162 overall prospect and the No. 17 defensive end.
David Walker NFL Draft Profile
Walker had a dominating three seasons at Central Arkansas after transferring from Division II Southern Arkansas University, turning down P4 NIL offers to stay with the Bears.
He was a three-year All-American, a three-time conference Defensive Player of the Year, and won the 2024 Buck Buchanan Award as the best FCS defensive player after tallying 68 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, and eight QB hurries. In 34 games for the Bears, Walker totaled 191 tackles, 63 TFLs, 31 sacks, eight passes defended, and six forced fumbles.
Last fall, Walker’s 94.6 overall PFF grade ranked No. 1 out of all FCS and FBS edge defenders. His 94.0 pass-rushing grade and 92.6 run-defense grade also ranked No. 1 in all of D1 football.
Walker doesn’t have the ideal frame (6’1’’) or arm length (31 7/8’’) as an NFL edge defender. But he showed at the Senior Bowl that he can still perform at a high level against the top prospects.
He is very explosive with great strength. Walker also has a high motor, routinely chasing down ball-carriers in high-effort plays.
Walker may not have the prototypical size, but he’ll be a valuable pick in the mid-rounds with the potential to rise into Day 2 of the draft.
David Walker Stats & Highlights
In three seasons and 34 games at UCA, Walker racked up 191 tackles (114 solo), 63 tackles for loss, 31 sacks, eight passes defended, and six forced fumbles.
Last season, he totaled 68 tackles (45 solo), 23 TFLs, 10.5 sacks, eight quarterback hurries, and 4 forced fumbles, winning the Buck Buchanan Award as the best FCS defensive player.
David Walker Height & Weight
David Walker measured in at 6-foot-1 and weighed 263 pounds at the NFL Combine.
David Walker NFL Combine Results
Walker participated in six events at the NFL Combine.
He recorded a 4.69-second 40-yard dash (10th among defensive ends at the combine), 35″ vertical (10th), 9’10″ broad jump (17th), 7.15-second 3-cone drill (4th), 4.39-second 20-yard shuttle (4th), and 26 reps on the bench press (8th).
Where Is David Walker From?
David Walker’s hometown is Stuttgart, Arkansas.
He played football at Stuttgart High School before beginning his collegiate career at Division II Southern Arkansas University in 2020. Walker transferred to FCS Central Arkansas in 2022.
David Walker High School Recruiting Ranking
Walker was a 0-star recruit in the high school class of 2020, per 247Sports.
