Bucs Draft Speedster Edge Rusher David Walker
April 26th, 2025
UPDATED: Speed off the edge!
That’s what the Bucs are hoping for more of after drafting Central Arkansas edge rusher David Walker in Round 4 today.
Walker is certainly big on explosiveness with a 4.69-second time in the 40-yard dash and a 35-inch vertical leap. He’s 6-1, 263 pounds and is sort of built like a fire hydrant, certainly for his position.
He didn’t face great competition, but the Bucs didn’t reach here for him. Walker widely was considered to be a fourth-round pick, a guy with potential and NFL-caliber strength.
Joe sees Walker as likely a hell of a special teams player and a guy that can be developed off the edge. He had a strong Senior Bowl week that propelled his draft stock.
Walker is an older prospect who turns 25 this spring.
April 26th, 2025 at 1:15 pm
He’s not injured…..Right?
April 26th, 2025 at 1:16 pm
Good selection at an area of need.
Nice job Jason! Stayed patient and got a good player.
Here’s hoping Walker has similar impact as last year’s 4th rd pick….
April 26th, 2025 at 1:16 pm
Look up his highlights. It’s hilarious. He absolutely destroys people … including OT.
April 26th, 2025 at 1:17 pm
This guy is built with Hassan Reddick in terms of height and he’s about 15-20 lbs heavier as well……
Bro needs to follow Reddick around and be a sponge….
April 26th, 2025 at 1:18 pm
Wanted Sawyer here. Not gonna lie, this draft class gonna have to show me something. So far, I’m just OK with it.
April 26th, 2025 at 1:19 pm
wow he’s no spring chicken…seems like a solid addition tho
April 26th, 2025 at 1:19 pm
IMO we should have taken Jack sawyer he was on the board, this Walker kid has no tape on top teams, 100% gamble. We will see if he stays on the practice squad for 3,4 years.🤷🏻♂️
April 26th, 2025 at 1:20 pm
Love this Draft Walker will be a beast
April 26th, 2025 at 1:21 pm
Let’s face it, the powers that be at 1 Buc Place have complete faith that bringing in HR in free agency solved the edge/lack of pressure and sacks from the edge! I have to agree. This fourth round pick looks like a work in progress. Hopefully he develops into a quality teammate!
April 26th, 2025 at 1:22 pm
Regulator16 Says:
Wanted Sawyer here. Not gonna lie, this draft class gonna have to show me something. So far, I’m just OK with it.
^^^^^^^^^
100% agreed.
April 26th, 2025 at 1:22 pm
Same size as D. Freeney.
April 26th, 2025 at 1:25 pm
Licht is a mad scientist!
Can’t wait to see the monster he’s constructing here!
April 26th, 2025 at 1:27 pm
All are rationalizing WR in RD1. But damn, just not investing in elite talent on D. All are risks that feel like we’re saying it’s all About offense and we add to where we can. The talent disparity between offense and defense is pretty big. Especially with key pieces being older – LVD, VV, Reddick. Dennis and Kancey have yet to play a full season. Zion is more us convincing ourselves he’s a talent. Dean is on the down side. Hall may be a surprise if he can put together back to back seasons. But the talent investment is terrible. Just remember this when we can’t get off the field again this season.
April 26th, 2025 at 1:27 pm
Pumped for this pick and the draft in general so far!
April 26th, 2025 at 1:30 pm
Just watched some highlights of David.
To be fair, Southern Arkansas probably isn’t playing the same schools Ohio State is.
But, if he can grow to the level that he can do in the NFL what he did on the tape, this guy is going to be a monster.
Good pick!
April 26th, 2025 at 1:35 pm
Sawyer should have been the pic… Walker is going to be a 25 year old rookie who put up stats against Tarleton state and he’s undersized. This draft has left a lot to be desired I don’t care how the spin it. Did we even draft 1 starter?
April 26th, 2025 at 1:36 pm
Where did John Randle go to school? Talent is talent. Great pick!
April 26th, 2025 at 1:39 pm
Hello, wrecking ball!
April 26th, 2025 at 1:40 pm
6-1 huh? What’s his arm length?
April 26th, 2025 at 1:40 pm
Lee will be happy. Definitely a need. Hopefully he can be successful against better competition. Now let’s draft another aedge!
April 26th, 2025 at 1:40 pm
A veteran rookie, 25 lol come Licht I mean Anthony Nelson is like 28😂😂😂
April 26th, 2025 at 1:43 pm
Was my favorite player to study during the draft- lower leverage guy who is immensely strong- best bull rush in the class- monster at the senior bowl showed he is real
April 26th, 2025 at 1:50 pm
The age is a smidge concerning, but not for a 4th round pick I suppose. He sounds interesting at least. Not real tall, but seems pretty darn sturdy. I suppose he’s worth a deuce.
April 26th, 2025 at 1:52 pm
His film looks sick.
He’s insanely fast. And extremely ferocious.
I also saw some other good edge guys go after him.
It will be interesting to see how his career will match up against the guys taken right after him
Time will tell.
4 years from now
April 26th, 2025 at 2:04 pm
Some of you are the biggest crybabies. How many of you have a full time career in professional football? Full time scout? Did homework on every possibility, to the tune of thousands of tape hours across a team? Oh, none…. Yeah, just watch the picks. Cheer for them. Verdict after the 2nd year for rookies.
Until then, NONE of you know more than the Bucks staff about these players. None of you have the expertise to question the picks. Be quiet and be a fan. Support the team.
April 26th, 2025 at 2:17 pm
I think the Bucs *really* wanted Walker and were super happy making this pick. He looks extremely strong and fast, and will have leverage around the end and can bullrush. His TFL stats are also amazing. Less competition doesn’t mean he doesn’t have talent, and he sure showed out at the senior bowl. Once again Licht comes through. I think our D will be much improved this year!
April 26th, 2025 at 2:18 pm
Joe, you had an article about this guy several days ago. Small school, high motor, great job Joe, thanks.
April 26th, 2025 at 2:20 pm
Has he had any hip surgery? Asking for a friend.
April 26th, 2025 at 2:22 pm
Being 25 is an advantage! Kid has his man strength and weight already there, his maturity is beyond youngins, and if he’s older by the time his second contract comes, well that means he balled out and we want to keep him beyond 5 years!!! Nice problem to have at that round, and pick #….I’ve said my peace
April 26th, 2025 at 2:29 pm
Well JOE one thing the Bucs can’t do is develop an edge rusher. He might be a good ST player tho like you said.
April 26th, 2025 at 2:58 pm
He’s also 25. Not a fan of over aged prospects but this is where you take them.
April 26th, 2025 at 3:14 pm
We got Bucky in the 4th. We’ve had some good luck in these late rounds
April 26th, 2025 at 3:38 pm
No one on here has a crystal ball! Not sure why all the wine-ing. A lot of fans are butt hurt because the Bucs don’t take THEIR player. Sit back and enjoy the ride!
April 26th, 2025 at 5:56 pm
Walker dominated his competition and looked good in the senior bowl practices
April 26th, 2025 at 6:15 pm
I want to win so I truly hope these draft packs work out, but I also worry that if Walker is so great why wasn’t he taken higher in the draft? He has great strengths but he also has some real weaknesses. He is not an every down player but could be useful in packages. I hope he lives up to the hype.
April 26th, 2025 at 8:43 pm
Regardless of the competition, his closing burst and killer instinct jumps off the tape.
Let’s hope and pray it translates into production for the Bucs if/when he gets on the field.
Like the potential of the pick.
April 27th, 2025 at 2:06 am
Walker may be a steal. He dominated at the lower level FCS. TFLs are off the chart. Showed up at the Senior Bowl and impressed against the best. Pass rush as well as run defense will help him see the field this year with Todd valuing the later so much. Ramirez and Watts should be worried.
Go Bucs!
April 27th, 2025 at 2:35 am
Good decision on Walker.
I agree with others, wanted Sawyer but am happy with Walker too.