Kenneth Walker III RB Michigan State | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Kenneth Walker III RB Michigan State
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
ROLE: Work-Horse Back | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Last Updated: 03/07/2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Draft Year: 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
40 time: 4.38 seconds (94%*) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Age: 24.2 DOB: 10/20/2000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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NFL Combine & Pro-Day Results |
ROLE: Work-Horse Back | |
Last Updated: 03/07/2022 | |
Draft Year: 2022 | |
40 time: 4.38 seconds (94%*) | |
Age: 24.2 DOB: 10/20/2000 | |
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NFL Combine & Pro-Day Results |
Overall Rating: | 85.7 / 100 | |
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Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
Defense Rating: |
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76% |
Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
Rushing: |
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93% |
Break Tackles: |
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95% |
Receiving/Hands: |
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65% |
Pass Blocking: |
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52% |
Run Blocking: |
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55% |
DRAFT PROJECTION:
2nd - Late
Overall Rank:
#63
Position rank:
#3
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College Games: 31 College Snaps: 1184 | ||
College Combine Results
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Drafted: ROUND: 2 - Pick Number: 41 (SEA)
Draft Profile: Bio
Kenneth Walker generated a massive total of 3,485 yards rushing in high school, but was still only rated as a three-star recruit by ESPN and as a result, his college options were limited and joined Wake Forest.He never really stood out and wasn't featured highly in their running back rotation and wisely transferred to Michigan for his 2021 junior season.
He was an instant success with the Spartans and by season's end had put up a huge 1636 yds on the ground with 18 TDs including a run of 94yds. His record-setting 2021 performance led to him being selected to the ESPN All-American team as well as winning the Walter Camp Player of the Year and the Doak Walker award. He also finished sixth in the Heisman voting.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Walker has a top motor and an explosive back who hits the second gear in a flash
- Shows a surprising burst to beat linebackers to the edge. Can plant his foot in the ground and explode, showing better straight-line speed than expected.
- Aggressive physical runner with excellent lower body strength that proves effective in goalline situations
- Has good field vision and has a natural talent for finding the hole - knows when to cut and when to drive through the line
- Loweres his shoulders and is happy driving through arm tacklers
- Possesses quick feet and straight-line speed but doesn't have the elite burst to be a constant big-play threat. Improving patience as a runner, following pulling guards and makes good decisions on his cut.
- Very consistent gives it all on every play
- Absorbs contact very well - will not go down on a first tackle
- Has the feet and feel running between the tackles and in the open field. He has very good vision and the patience to pick through defenses.
- Quick feet with good vision to pick through defenses. He has solid hands and body control and is a reliable receiver.
- Impressed athletically at the combine where Walker (5-9, 211) ran a 4.38 in the 40 and a 10-2 in the broad jump
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Often tries too hard and runs around trying to find a hole only to get knocked back
- Need to learn to take what the defense gives him
- He has good size but he isn't dominating and may find it difficult handling NFL linebackers
- Has been too indecisive and hesitant at the line of scrimmage
- Offers little in pass protection and poor technique cut blocking, fails to do more than slow down blitzers by laying down in front of them
- Does not always read blocks behind pulling guards. Has a tendency to bury his head too soon
Scouting Report: Summary
Walker has firmly established himself as one of the top running backs in the 2022 NFL Draft class coming from previous insignificance at Wake Forrest. No player has improved their draft ranking quite like Walker has this year.He has displayed all the talent to be a dominant workhorse at the next level with a nice combination of height, overall size, and speed for the position. We could quite easily see him become a top rusher in the NFL if used in the right scheme.
He however doesn't come without reservations - he's seen little use as a blocker or receiver and so brings nothing to the table there, which will likely scare a few NFL teams off.
We consider Williams as a likely second or third-round pick whose draft stock may suffer due to only having one year (albeit an amazing one) of significant playing experience.
Kenneth Walker III percentiles vs other Running Backs (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance)
How other scouting services rate Kenneth Walker III (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
46.3
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
2.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.