Vance Walker DT 6'2 293 Georgia Tech

Walker showed his potential as a reserve during his freshman and sophomore season, combining for 32 tackles, four for loss, and 1.5 sacks. He moved into the starting line up as a junior, and trumped all those numbers. He earned 1st team All ACC honors after finishing the year with 45 tackles, 14 for loss, and 8.5 sacks. Walker closed out his Yellow Jacket career with 33 tackles, 8.5 for loss, and three sacks.

Strengths

Walker is a playmaker that can make plays at or behind the line of scrimmage. Walker has a sturdy frame, and holds his ground well at the line of scrimmage. He anchors well, and is rarely moved off the line. Once engaged, he shows the ability to get off the block and make the tackle when the action comes between the tackles. Along with his strength and run stopping ability, Walker also shows the ability to shoot the gap and make plays in the backfield. He has good speed for an interior lineman and once he gets his momentum going forward, has the ability to close in on the ball carrier and make the play.

Weaknesses

Walker does not change direction well and can overrun the action once he’s moving up field. Once he has a lane to get to the action he closes well, but he takes time to gather himself when he needs to change his route.

Future

Walker is one third of Georgia Tech’s quality prospects on the Dline. Michael Johnson is the headliner, but Walker and Darryl Richard are talented in their own right. The DT class is not very strong at the top amongst the seniors, so underclassmen will play a big role in where Walker goes. He can make plays and stop the run and everyone is always looking for line help. Walker should hear his name called early on day two of the draft.