Draft Analysis: Kenneth Walker

April 25, 2022 /
  • Height: 5’9″
  • Weight: 211
  • College: Michigan State
  • Tape watched: Michigan, Miami, Maryland
  • NFL Comparison: D’andre Swift

Pros

  • Speed
    Kenneth Walker is a homerun threat between the tackles and off the edge. He can make defenders look silly for the angles they take when attempting to bring him down on the boundary. If he gets past the first level of defenders, there is a good chance he finds the endzone.
  • Contact Balance
    With a center of gravity lower than most, Walker utilizes it to the highest degree. He absorbs most contact and can stay on his feet churning for extra yards. He takes contact at the legs and feet well also.
  • Agility
    Walker has great feet that exhibit precision and power. He has a nice jump cut that doesn’t cut a lot of speed or momentum from his runs. He can also stop and start really well.

Midline

  • Receiving
    While his hands are more than adequate for the position, Walker does not have vast experience with route running. Most of his receiving opportunities came from screens and swing routes where the ball is immediately throw to him.

Cons

  • Vision
    Every chance he gets, Kenneth Walker attempts to bounce runs to the perimeter. There are just some runs that you need to take four yards and get after the next play, instead of trying different gaps for more yards. It’s hard to blame Walker, as it worked exceptionally well in college, but the NFL is a different animal. With his skillset, he can become much more efficient with quicker decisions and being a one cut runner in between the tackles.
  • Pass Pro
    A few missed assignments and sell out blocks separate Walker from being an immediate 3 down back. He often opts to throw his body at defenders’ legs or waist. NFL pass rushers will make quick work of that technique.

Overview

Kenneth Walker is an exceptional pure runner with the football. Excellent speed, size for his frame, and contact balance make him a desirable target for running back hungry teams. With his lack of experience and developing pass protection, he may be best suited to be the 1A option in a two back system. If he can develop into a receiving threat, he has huge upside, however.