Football
Walker poised to be Buccaneers’ next middle-round breakout pass rusher
David Walker’s speed and production could make him the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ next defensive star after a dominant FCS career
CONWAY, Ark. — Tampa Bay had a history of finding impact players outside the first round, and in 2025, fourth-round pick David Walker could be the latest to make his mark.
Selected 121st overall out of Central Arkansas, Walker arrives in Tampa Bay with a resume that stands out among recent FCS prospects.
Walker capped his college career as a three-time unanimous FCS All-American, the 2024 Buck Buchanan Award winner, and a three-time conference Defensive Player of the Year.
Over 34 games, he amassed 191 tackles, 63 tackles for loss, 31 sacks, eight pass breakups, and six forced fumbles, setting program records for both tackles for loss and sacks.
His dominance was further highlighted by a 6.5-TFL performance against Tarleton State in 2024, a single-game school record.
Despite questions about his size-standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 263 pounds-Walker’s explosiveness and relentless motor have drawn praise from Buccaneers coaches and scouts.
“Speed – he contributes that, and I think he’s accumulated about [a lot of] sacks,” said outside linebackers coach Larry Foote. “He understands how to pressure the quarterback; it comes naturally to him.
“He’s a natural at pass rushing. Although he may be shorter in stature, his speed is something that can’t be taught, and he has shown significant improvement. I’ve been following his journey over the years. His performance continues to elevate.”
Walker’s speed, suddenness, and ability to convert quickness into power have already impressed during rookie minicamp.
“When you have that inside perspective as a coach, knowing him personally and understanding which motivational tactics work or don’t work, you can gauge whether he needs firm coaching or a supportive approach,” Foote said.
He knows. He tried to get him to Temple when he was coaching there, but the Stuttgart native wasn’t getting that far away.
That relationship could help Walker adjust quickly to the NFL.
The Buccaneers’ need for a spark in their pass rush was evident after last year’s second-round pick Chris Braswell struggled to make an immediate impact, and the team added veteran Haason Reddick on a one-year deal.
Walker’s arrival injects competition and depth into a group that also features Yaya Diaby and Anthony Nelson.
Walker’s knack for making plays in the backfield is a trait the Bucs hope will translate to the NFL. At UCA, a remarkable 33.8% of his tackles came behind the line of scrimmage.
He also brings a “violence” to his game that should serve him well against pro-level blockers.
While he may not have elite length or the fastest 40-yard dash (4.69 seconds), his instincts and production speak for themselves.
If Walker can replicate even a portion of his college disruption, he could be the next in a line of Buccaneers mid-round gems, following in the footsteps of players like Yaya Diaby and Shaq Barrett.
As coach Todd Bowles emphasized, improving the four-man pass rush is a priority, and Walker’s arrival gives the Bucs a new weapon to achieve that goal.
