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Tez Walker Scouting Report
By Charlie Campbell
Strengths:
- Fast
- Deep-threat receiver
- First-step quickness
- Explosive
- Second-gear speed
- Tracks the ball well
- Threat to score on any touch
- Stretches a defense vertically
- Creates mismatches out of the slot
Weaknesses:
- One-trick pony
- Lots of dropped passes
- Could struggle with physical corners
- Could struggle to get off-press coverage
- Thin frame; needs more weight
Prospect Summary:
After enrolling at North Carolina Central, Walker flashed some impressive play at Kent State. In 20 games with the Golden Flash, Walker totaled 63 catches for 1,045 yards with 12 scores. In one season with North Carolina, Walker had 41 catches for 699 yards and seven touchdowns while playing in eight games. Walker had a nonsensical suspension from the NCAA to open the 2023 season saying that he was a two-time transfer and therefore ineligible to play in 2023. However, Walker never played for North Carolina Central, thus his waiver request was ultimately accepted, but not before it cost him the opportunity to play in four games for the Tar Heels to open the year.
For the NFL, Walker is a fast wideout who can create separation from defensive backs over the top and is capable of stretching the field vertically. He is a home run hitter who has serious straight-line speed with a second gear to run by defensive backs and get open deep down the field. Along with his agility, Walker has good height and a nice-sized catch radius for a speed receiver.
Walker is a bit of a one-trick pony as a deep-speed receiver. He did not show the ability to be an underneath possessional receiver to be a high-volume wideout. On top of his route limitations, Walker is very thin, and it looks like he won’t be able to add much weight to his frame. Being that thin could limit Walker because he could struggle to get off press coverage and have problems with physical cornerbacks. Walker must improve his hands for the NFL given that he dropped a lot passes. There were times when he would make fantastic highlight-reel catches, but he then go drop some routine receptions. His hands are going to be a frustrating point of contention for his pro team until they are fixed. As a result of his limitations and hands, Walker might top out as a third and or fourth rotational receiver in the NFL.
Walker could get selected on the second day of the 2024 NFL Draft. He probably won’t go lower than the mid-rounds.
Prospect Comparison:
Robbie Chosen. Walker brings to mind Chosen – formerly known as Robbie Anderson. Both are deep-speed receivers with lean builds and inconsistent hands. If Walker pans out in the NFL, he could be a wide-out similar to Chosen.
RELATED LINKS:
2024 NFL Mock Draft - April 23
NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22
Fantasy Football Rankings - Feb. 19
NFL Picks - Feb. 12
