NFL Draft 2017: Top 10 draft prospects from the ACC

7 of 11

Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end DeMarcus Walker (44) reacts after a sack in the fourth quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Camping World Stadium. Florida State Seminoles won 45-34. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

Florida State Seminoles defensive end Demarcus Walker is one of the more underrated draft prospects in this year’s draft classs. However, the early entrant isn’t getting much attention of NFL Mock Drafts.

Walker was the 2016 ACC Defensive Player of the Year, a consensus All-American and first-team All-ACC selection last season for his play. He recorded 67 total tackles (45 solo, 22 assisted), 19.5 tackles for loss (fifth in the ACC), 16.0 sacks (2nd in the FBS and the ACC), 3 FF’s (fifth) and 2 FR’s.

He was fifth in the ACC in tackles for loss on a Florida State defense that allowed 128 rushing yards per game in 2016. His sacks were second in the FBS and ACC and his forced fumbles ranked fifth in the conference.

Scouts questions Walker’s motor but with 33.5 tackles for loss and 25.0 sacks in the past two seasons, his body of work is hard to overlook. At 6-foot-4 and 280 pounds, he’s got the build to play as an interior rusher in the NFL, but is questionable as an edge rusher.

Walker would thrive in a 3-4 system as a defensive end or outside linebacker but not in a traditional 4-3 defense. He’ll be a second day pick but the NFL team who drafts him could be in for a treat.

Home/ACC