MAJOR DEFENSIVE BOOST: “Vikings Set To Land a Draft Steal For Kentucky Monster Defense Man That Transforms Their Defensive Line—Here’s Why Deone Walker is Their Secret Weapon”

The Vikings’ defensive line is lacking a dominant defensive tackle to control the middle of the line. With Travis Bell being the only lineman weighing 310 pounds or more, adding size is crucial. While they did acquire Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave in the offseason, the addition of Harrison Phillips makes the unit older than they would prefer. Looking ahead, Jordan Plocher of Pro Football Focus (PFF) suggests a potential draft steal for Minnesota on the final day of the draft.

Plocher highlighted Kentucky defensive lineman Deone Walker as a disruptive presence who could have a significant impact. “Walker, standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 331 pounds, is a huge space-eater capable of anchoring the interior and clogging running lanes effectively.

 

Deone Walker

Although Walker showed solid pass-rushing potential, he lacked the consistency needed for a higher draft position, recording 1.5 sacks in 2024 after a seven-sack season in 2023. He could be a steal in the later rounds, especially after a subpar NFL Combine performance, where he skipped the speed drills and bench press.

Since 2020, the Vikings have selected four defensive tackles on day three of the draft, with Levi Drake Rodriguez being the only one still on the roster after being picked in the seventh round last year. Minnesota needs to make a strong impact with this draft on the defensive line, and Walker could provide the depth they need for consistent rotation.