Devontez Walker WR North Carolina: Scouting Report

Height: 6’2 

Weight: 197

Overall

Devontez Walker is a vertical “X” receiver in North Carolina’s pro-style offense. He began his career at NC Central but transferred to Kent State after the Eagles 2020 season was canceled. He played 2 seasons at Kent State, appearing in 20 games, starting 12. He then transferred to North Carolina prior to this past season where he played in 8 games, starting 6. While he has limited starting experience, he had good production his last year at Kent State and this past season with the Tar Heels. He has the explosiveness to make an impact at the next level but he needs to improve his route-running and catching before he can become a true number 1 receiver rather than just a deep threat.

Pass Game

Walker has good acceleration off the line of scrimmage and the long speed to take the top off the defense on go routes. On down field throws he does a good job of tracking the football but he does not show the ability to high point the ball on 50/50 plays. He uses his body too often to catch the football and has multiple drops on film when using his hands. After the catch, he has the explosiveness to get up the field in a hurry as well as the balance to break through arm tackles when he gets a full head of steam. In the open field though, he lacks the elusiveness to make defenders miss. He did not run a very complex route tree while at North Carolina and he struggled creating separation on in-breaking routes and hitches due to his poor change of direction skills. On comebacks he takes too many steps at the top of his route and he telegraphs the play with his body language allowing corners to jump on his routes early. He lacks route savvy and if he fails to improve his route-running and hands, he will be limited to only deep developing routes and screens at the next level. 

Run Game

In the run game, Walker was occasionally used on end-arounds and he has the speed to gain big yardage when he gets in space but he struggles making defenders miss and he is better utilized as a receiver down the field. As a blocker on the outside he shows the effort and physicality to create space for the ball-carrier but his lean frame may make it difficult for him to block against NFL corners.

Last Word

Walker projects best as an “X” receiver in a vertical passing offense. He has elite long speed on the outside to outrun the secondary and create huge plays but his limited route tree and inconsistent hands will cap his ceiling in the pros. His inability to create separation on short and intermediate routes will limit his reliability on 3rd downs. His speed though will give him an opportunity to make an immediate impact on special teams.

One-Liner: Devontez Walker is an explosive outside receiver but his lack of route running and inconsistent hands will limit his ceiling at the next level.

Grade: 6.5 (Lower End 3 Down Starter)

Games Watched: 2023 - Clemson, Miami, Virginia, Duke

Team Fits: Buffalo Bills, Washington Commanders, New England Patriots