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2017 NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up in Week 5

By Shawn Spencer

Sep 22, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) warms up before their game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 22, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) warms up before their game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats linebacker Anthony Walker (18) celebrates as he made a sack against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half in the 2016 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats linebacker Anthony Walker (18) celebrates as he made a sack against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half in the 2016 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Anthony Walker, Jr. (ILB – Northwestern) vs. Iowa

As a redshirt sophomore last season, Anthony Walker, Jr. could have entered the 2016 NFL Draft and been a day two pick. Instead, he’s back for his junior season and working his way towards being the top inside linebacker prospect available for the 2017 NFL Draft.

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    • Last season, Walker led the Big Ten Conference and finished fourth in the FBS with 20.5 tackles for a loss. Opposing offenses have been paying a lot more attention to where he’s lining up this season, therefore his statistics aren’t quite what they were in 2015. He has 2.5 tackles for a loss through four games this season, but has freed up teammates to make plays.

    While his numbers may be down, his play in the passing game has greatly improved. He looks much more comfortable in coverage and has shown better awareness once the ball is out of the quarterback’s hand.

    Northwestern hasn’t had a prospect drafted in the first three rounds since 2005. Barring injury or a disastrous end to the season, Walker is expected to end that streak. Against Iowa this weekend, he’ll be able to show NFL scouts how he matches up against a pro-style offense like the Hawkeyes.

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