Devontez Walker Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

School: North Carolina

Class: Junior

Position: WR

HT: 6’1

WT: 193 lbs

Sideline Prospect Ranking: #88

Background: Devontez Walker was an unranked 3-star wide receiver from Charlotte, North Carolina. He played for West Charlotte High School for all 4 years. He was an All-Conference selection as a junior and senior in high school. After his time at West Charlotte, Walker committed to North Carolina Central, but transferred after the cancellation of the 2020 season.

College: Walker spent two seasons at Kent State, where he became one of the most efficient receivers in the MAC. Walker’s numbers did not jump off the page in his first year at Kent State, he was still getting adjusted to college ball. By his second year, he was one of the better starters in the country. Devontez started a total of 12 games and appeared in 20. He was named First Team All-MAC. He had over 1,000 receiving yards across the two seasons. Devontez Walker was also an All-Academic selection. Devontez Walker appeared in 8 games for the Tar Heels in 2023, starting 6 of them. He was a Third Team All-ACC selection after finishing the year with 41 receptions, 699 receiving yards, and 7 touchdowns.

Strengths: Tez is dangerous with the ball in his hands. He has elite speed that can gash defenses. He will likely always be the fastest player on the field. Not only does he have that straight line speed, but he also is light on his feet. Excellent ankle flexion and change of direction ability allow him to find any open space on the field. Walker does not lack size either, he provides a large catch radius for the quarterback. Consistent hands make him a reliable target to haul in contested catches or footballs that are not thrown right on target. Walker is a technician as a route runner. His footwork is quick and efficient, there are no wasted movements in Walker’s process. Tez plays with a high football IQ and picks apart defenses by running the proper route stem given the defensive coverage he sees.

Weaknesses: Tez needs to develop more as a vertical threat. He is not very dynamic in the deep third of the field, mainly relying on size and speed to bring the ball in. If he does not create separation in the first 10 steps, the cornerback tends to stick to his inside hip rather easily.

Conclusion: Tez Walker can develop into a starting wide receiver, but he will enter the league as a gadget receiver when a team needs speed.

Scheme Fit: West Coast Offense

Ideal Role: Gadget/Y Receiver

Best Team Fits: CAR, IND, BUF

Player Comparison: Mike Wallace

Player Grade: 76.9