Kenneth Walker Key Stats:
Running Back, Michigan State
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 211
Passes: Not Caught
RAS: 9.25
Games Watched:
Rutgers, Miami, Northwestern, Michigan, Nebraska, Clemson (2020)
Positives Scouts Saw:
- Home run hitter
- Sets up his blocks well
- Projects to be a high volume NFL RB
Negatives Scouts Saw:
- Bad in pass protection
- Very undeveloped as a receiver
- Vision consistency
Positives I Saw:
- Explosive runner
- Beautiful cutbacks
- Always falling forward
Negatives I Saw:
- Heavy workload in 2021
- How much of his production came from his offensive line?
- Really, really bad in pass pro
As a Prospect:
I can’t keep quiet anymore: Kenneth Walker is the best pure running back in this class. I’m not alone in believing this; there are dozens of us! My pal Joey told me that he felt the same way and it really helped me be honest about what I saw, and avoid the trap of just sticking with easy consensus. He led all college running backs in yards after contact (1,168), missed tackles forced (89), and carries of over 15 yards (30) (all stats here per PFF). Kenneth Walker craves violence and once you’re braced to get hit, he hits you with a stiff arm or a jump cut, and takes off. His limitations in the passing game have been well discussed, so let’s not do that here. Instead, let’s worry more about the fact that he blocks for the QB like he is making a business decision every time he is asked (and how this will limit his opportunities at the next level).
Fantasy Football Potential:
Walker is going to be the RB 1.02 in this class for dynasty and will be drafted in the middle of redraft leagues. He will only be on the field for first and second down, but if he goes to a heavy running team he will take over the early-down work and showcase his explosiveness. I see him as a 1A in a timeshare backfield where he doesn’t even see the field on pass protection, but could still end up with 220-250 carries. His talent should make it easier for fantasy managers to stomach his lack of PPR viability.
Overall:
Kenneth Walker is going to go to the NFL and beat NFL defenders, because Kenneth Walker is a very good running back. He is the type of guy that you want on your team in the fourth quarter to help put a game away, as well as a short-yardage monster. Kenneth Walker is going to break tackles at the next level and put up some really nice numbers. Those refusing to draft Walker high in dynasty rookie drafts because of his passing game reputation? Well, they’re nerds and will be given wedgies after Walker proves them all wrong.
Kenneth Walker Reminds Me Of:
Melvin Gordon
Grade: 87/100
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