With their 121st pick in the 2025 Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected the explosive David Walker , edge rusher from Central Arkansas. After bolstering the secondary in the previous rounds, Todd Bowles’ team has opted to give their front seven extra speed, energy, and production. David Walker as a reinforcement for the Buccaneers’ pass rush.
Walker comes to the NFL after a historic FCS career, where he was named the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year . His resume is impressive: 39 sacks, 82.5 tackles for loss, and six forced fumbles during his time at Central Arkansas. His ability to pressure the quarterback, stop the running game, and his tireless effort make him one of the most intriguing prospects on Day 3 of the Draft.
How does David Walker play?
David Walker’s Strengths
- Explosiveness and flexibility: His first step is very quick, and he has great flexibility to turn the corner and reach the quarterback.
- Historic Production: His statistical impact on the FCS is unprecedented in Central Arkansas.
- Physical and aggressive game: In both the pass rush and against the run, Walker displays a tough, violent and effective style.
- Relentless Closer: Once he has the QB or RB on his radar, he comes in hard and finishes plays.
- Lateral Pursuit: Excellent at chasing plays from the weak side, with great movement speed.
Areas for improvement
- Length and strength: He lacks some size and wingspan against NFL tackles and will need to gain strength as he develops.
- Inconsistent pass rush plan: Sometimes relies too heavily on athleticism and needs to refine his technical repertoire.
- Level of competition: While he dominated the FCS, he’ll need to prove he can replicate that impact against NFL offensive lines.
How does David Walker fit into the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? David Walker as a backup for the Buccaneers’ pass rush.
Walker’s arrival gives the Bucs a different profile for their edge rotation. His ability to attack from a wide position (7-tech or wide-nine) fits perfectly with Todd Bowles’ defensive scheme, which knows how to maximize the explosiveness of these types of profiles.
Although he’ll initially start as a rotational player, Walker has the tools to earn a spot in pass-rush situations. His ability to collapse the pocket from the outside could be very useful in a group that already includes Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Randy Gregory, and Yaya Diaby.
His experience as a tireless pursuit defender could also open up a space for him in running plays or even on special teams during his early years.
With patience, physical development, and specific technical work on his pass rush, David Walker could become a hidden gem on Day 3 for Tampa Bay.
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