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Kenneth Walker III NFL Draft Profile
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Kenneth Walker III Scouting ReportKenneth isn't an overwhelming size threat, but he still passes the required threshold for density. His frame is well proportioned. Walker has a lot of valuable traits, but it is his athleticism that stands out both in space and in congestion. He might not be an elite athlete, but he has a few very proficient athletic traits. Walker is spry and explosive with his initial cuts in the backfield. He has quick gears after cuts and has smooth suddenness in his change of direction moves. Kenneth's most exciting executional trait might be his overall balance after contact. He can shed leg tackles and contort to extend runs through congestion. He often finishes his runs with physicality and actively seeks to maximize big gains. He is decisive and urgent when choosing initial lanes. He also flashes great full-field vision and can manipulate second-level defenders with his elusiveness. Going further, Walker has shown he can employ a stiff arm to negate defenders who encroach on his space. He’s also flashed as a receiver.
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Areas for ImprovementKenneth sometimes falls into contact when his first cut doesn't create space. He will sometimes defer to congested lanes when he has avenues to bounce outside. He sometimes over complicates his footwork in the backfield and lets defenders close in. Kenneth also occasionally works himself into a corner when moving to the outside. His vision, while solid can be spotty at times. He can go on auto pilot with his cuts at times. He's shown he can play controlled and composed. He doesn't have surefire breakaway speed. Needs to improve pass blocking./p>
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Kenneth Walker III Career at SchoolWalker entered the transfer portal. Not long after that, he announced his decision to attend Michigan State and play for head coach Mel Tucker. As it turns out, Walker would earn the starting role with the Spartans, and now, the true junior has already emerged as a budding star Walker has dominated through three games. In total, the Michigan State RB has 493 yards and 5 touchdowns on 57 carries. He’s also logged his first career receiving touchdown. Walker is currently averaging a career-best 8.6 yards per carry, almost 3 full yards better than his previous career-high of 5.9. Walker is producing at a high level, but in an appealing twist for NFL evaluators, he doesn’t have much wear on his tires. The Michigan State RB is still young, but in his most recent starting action, he’s proven himself to be a tier above the usual running back. When the offseason comes, Walker could have an interesting decision to make. If he keeps up this pace, he has the traits to be an early-round running back. However, the Michigan RB may need to improve in the passing phase if he wants to supersede the other backs on the board. But as of now, he’s trending safely toward the Day 2 range. |
Kenneth Walker III NFL Draft Player ProfileWalker will need to keep improving his pass blocking. Although that’s not often viewed as a primary function for running backs, it’s important for runners who wish to see the field on all three downs. Right now, Walker isn’t adequately protecting his quarterback, but there’s time for him to improve. In the other, more lucrative functions — as a runner and receiver — Walker has shown immense promise. Although he doesn’t have a heavy sample size catching the ball, Walker displayed some coveted traits like body control and escapability after the catch. And as a runner, Walker’s tape speaks for itself. He is a dense, explosive RB with great burst, vision, instincts, and creation ability. He ties that skill set together with near-elite balance, both against contact and amidst direction changes. It’s early, but Walker already looks like a complete running back. There’s little to suggest he can’t be a starting RB in the NFL.
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