David Walker Central Arkansas EDGE: Rising Defensive Prospect Making Waves in 2025 NFL Draft
David Walker is turning heads as one of the most intriguing edge rushers in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. The Central Arkansas standout has been quietly dominating at the FCS level, putting together impressive numbers that have scouts taking notice. His combination of speed and power makes him a potentially valuable asset for NFL teams looking to bolster their pass rush in next year’s draft.
At 6’1″ and 263 pounds, Walker brings an explosive first step to the position, reportedly running the 40-yard dash in 4.65 seconds. This athleticism didn’t go unnoticed in 2022 when he racked up 66 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks, earning him Atlantic Sun Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors.
While playing outside the Power 5 conferences, Walker has consistently shown the ability to disrupt offenses and get to the quarterback.
NFL teams are always searching for difference-makers on the edge, and Walker could be one of those hidden gems that emerges from a smaller program. His production at Central Arkansas has some analysts calling him the most interesting edge rusher in the 2025 Draft Class.
As the draft process unfolds over the next year, expect to hear Walker’s name mentioned more frequently as teams dive deeper into his film and measurables.
Contents
College Career Highlights
David Walker carved out an extraordinary collegiate legacy at Central Arkansas, establishing himself as one of the most dominant defensive players in FCS history. His combination of explosive athleticism and technical skill made him a nightmare for opposing offenses throughout his career.
Statistics and Records
Walker’s statistical output at Central Arkansas borders on mythical. The edge rusher amassed an impressive 38.5 sacks and 65 tackles for loss during his collegiate career.
His production remained remarkably consistent, posting double-digit sacks in three consecutive seasons – a feat that placed him in rare company among FCS defenders.
Walker’s dominance earned him three straight First-Team All-American selections, a testament to his year-over-year excellence. Perhaps most impressively, he captured the prestigious Buck Buchanan Award as the nation’s top FCS defensive player.
| Season | Sacks | TFLs | Forced Fumbles | Total Tackles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 8.5 | 14 | 2 | 45 |
| 2022 | 12 | 18 | 3 | 52 |
| 2023 | 10 | 17 | 4 | 58 |
| 2024 | 8 | 16 | 3 | 49 |
NFL scouts have taken notice, with Walker projected as a top-100 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. His 4.69 time in the 40-yard dash at the Combine confirmed the explosiveness evident on film.
Key Games and Performances
Walker consistently elevated his play against top competition. When Central Arkansas faced Ohio State in 2022, he recorded 2.5 sacks against a Buckeyes offensive line loaded with future NFL talent.
His 2023 showcase against Utah might have been his most complete performance. Walker terrorized the Utes with 3 sacks, 5 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble that was returned for a touchdown.
Against conference rival Purdue, Walker delivered a career-high 4-sack performance that had NFL scouts buzzing. His ability to take over games speaks to his potential as a disruptive rusher at the next level.
What separates Walker from other FCS prospects is his technical refinement. He doesn’t rely solely on athleticism but demonstrates advanced hand usage and a diverse pass-rush repertoire that should translate well to the professional ranks.
Skill Set and Abilities
David Walker brings an impressive toolkit to the edge position that has NFL scouts taking notice. His combination of technical prowess, athletic gifts, and mental acuity makes him one of the most intriguing pass rushers in the 2025 draft class.
Pass Rushing Technique
Walker’s arsenal of pass rush moves stands out immediately on tape. His hand usage is particularly advanced, allowing him to disengage from blockers with remarkable efficiency. The spin move has become his signature, deployed with perfect timing to leave tackles grasping at air.
What separates Walker from other FCS prospects is his ability to string together counter moves. He doesn’t rely on a single approach, instead setting up tackles with initial moves before countering when they overcommit.
His bend around the edge shows up consistently, allowing him to flatten to the quarterback after turning the corner. Walker also displays impressive speed-to-power conversion, driving offensive linemen backward into the quarterback’s lap when straight-line speed isn’t enough.
Physical Attributes
Walker tested as an elite athlete with an 8.53 Relative Athletic Score, confirming what shows up on film. His 4.69-second 40-yard dash demonstrates the burst that makes him a threat off the edge.
At 6’3″ and 250 pounds, Walker possesses good length and a frame that should allow additional development at the next level. His first-step explosiveness is exceptional, often beating tackles before they can set properly.
| Measurement | Result | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| 40-yard dash | 4.69 sec | Top tier |
| RAS score | 8.53 | Elite |
| Weight | 250 lbs | Average |
| Height | 6’3″ | Good |
His lateral agility allows him to excel in space, making him viable in both 4-3 and 3-4 defensive schemes at the NFL level.
Football Intelligence
Walker diagnoses plays quickly, rarely finding himself out of position. He maintains gap discipline against the run while still generating pressure, showing discipline rare for such a productive pass rusher.
His understanding of blocking schemes allows him to identify and exploit weaknesses. Walker’s processing speed is evident in how he adjusts mid-rush when his initial plan is neutralized.
His production speaks volumes: 31 sacks and 63 tackles for loss over three seasons. This isn’t just raw talent—it’s technical refinement meeting football IQ.
Walker projects as a specialized rotational pass rusher initially, potentially providing immediate impact in third-down packages while developing into an every-down player.
2025 NFL Draft Projection
David Walker has positioned himself as an intriguing edge rusher prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft class. His production at the FCS level has turned heads, but questions remain about how his skills will translate to the NFL.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Walker’s primary strength is his elite production at Central Arkansas, where he established himself as a historically productive pass-rusher at the FCS level. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 267 pounds, Walker brings a compact but powerful frame to the edge position.
His hand technique and first-step explosiveness allow him to consistently beat offensive tackles. Walker’s 77½” wingspan gives him surprising reach despite his relatively shorter 31⅞” arms, helping him maintain separation from blockers.
However, Walker faces legitimate questions about competition level. Moving from FCS to the NFL represents a significant jump in talent. His measurables also raise concerns, as he lacks the prototypical length teams typically seek in edge defenders.
Walker’s run defense remains a development area. While his pass rush moves show refinement, he’ll need to prove he can set the edge consistently against NFL-caliber tackles.
| Measurable | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’1″ |
| Weight | 267 lbs |
| Hand Size | 9¼” |
| Arm Length | 31⅞” |
| Wingspan | 77½” |
Day 3 Outlook
Walker projects as a Day 3 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Most evaluators have him slotted around the 4th round, with NFL Draft Buzz ranking him as the #8 EDGE prospect and 106th overall on their board.
What makes Walker particularly appealing on Day 3 is his proven production and refined pass rush arsenal. Teams will view him as a potential rotational pass rush specialist who could contribute immediately in specific packages.
His draft position will likely hinge on his pre-draft testing. If Walker can showcase the athleticism that made him the most interesting edge rusher in the 2025 Draft Class, he could rise into the early Day 3 conversation.
Walker’s ceiling appears to be as a situational pass rusher who could develop into more with proper coaching. For teams needing immediate pass rush help without spending premium draft capital, he represents solid value in the middle rounds.
Performance Against Peers
David Walker’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable when measured against his contemporaries in the EDGE rusher category. His combination of speed and power has put him squarely in the conversation as one of the top defensive prospects coming out of the FCS level.
Comparison to Fellow EDGE Prospects
Walker’s 4.69-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine raised eyebrows, especially considering his 263-pound frame. This time places him among the more athletic edge defenders in this draft class.
His Relative Athletic Score of 8.53 ranks as elite, though not quite at the very top of his position group. Still, for a player from the FCS level, these metrics have scouts taking serious notice.
Walker currently sits as the #8 ranked linebacker-EDGE in this draft class with an 83.6 rating according to NFL Draft Buzz. This places him firmly in the Day 2 conversation.
Most impressive is how Walker has elevated himself despite not playing at a Power 5 program. His production rivals that of prospects from much larger schools.
Game Impact
The numbers tell a compelling story: Walker racked up 68 tackles (45 solo), 23 tackles for loss, and 10.5 sacks in just 12 games as a senior. This dominant performance earned him the prestigious Buck Buchanan Award, given to the top defensive player in FCS.
Walker’s game impact goes beyond raw statistics. He consistently commanded double teams, creating opportunities for teammates. Despite this, he still managed to disrupt opposing offenses.
| Category | Senior Season | Career |
|---|---|---|
| Tackles | 68 | 196 |
| TFLs | 23 (121 yards) | 47 |
| Sacks | 10.5 | 24 |
| Forced Fumbles | 3 | 7 |
NFL teams view Walker as a player who could provide an immediate spark in third-down packages while developing into a potential three-down defender. His proven ability to finish plays makes him an attractive option for teams needing pass rush help.
Potential Impact on Professional Teams
David Walker’s transition from Central Arkansas to the NFL hinges on his ability to translate his historically productive pass-rushing skills to the professional level. His impressive college statistics and athletic testing suggest he could become a valuable addition to several NFL defensive units seeking edge pressure.
Scheme Fit
Walker profiles best as a designated pass rusher initially in a 4-3 defense where his explosiveness can be maximized. His impressive first step and bend around tackles make him particularly suited for teams employing wide-9 techniques that emphasize speed off the edge.
Teams utilizing rotational edge defenders will find Walker’s skill set appealing, as he can be deployed in obvious passing situations while he develops a more complete game. He’s shown the ability to drop into coverage occasionally, but his value comes primarily as a quarterback hunter.
Defensive coordinators who emphasize stunts and twists could maximize Walker’s agility and change-of-direction skills. His 8.36 Relative Athletic Score demonstrates the athletic profile that modern defensive schemes covet.
His production against FCS competition—31 sacks and 63 tackles for loss over three seasons—speaks to his potential, though he’ll face a significant jump in competition at the NFL level.
Team Needs and Roles
Walker’s skill set makes him a potential fit for several NFL teams. The Las Vegas Raiders have shown interest, with Walker even discussing the team and star edge rusher Maxx Crosby at the combine. Learning behind an established pro like Crosby could accelerate his development.
Walker’s impressive pressure rate (above 12%) places him in elite company among this year’s edge rusher class. According to The Power Sweep’s analysis, only 18 of 31 edge prospects in the 2025 draft class meet this threshold.
| Stat | Walker | Top 5 EDGE Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Sacks | 31 | 22.4 |
| TFL | 63 | 41.2 |
| Pressure Rate | >12% | 10.8% |
| RAS Score | 8.36 | 8.72 |
Teams with aging edge defenders or those lacking depth at the position will likely target Walker in the middle rounds as a developmental prospect with immediate situational pass-rushing value. His All-American pedigree and production suggest he could outperform his draft position significantly.
