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New England Patriots Draft Prospects: Team Linked to DE DeMarcus Walker

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end DeMarcus Walker (44) rushes against the Mississippi Rebels during the second half at Camping World Stadium. Florida State Seminoles defeated the Mississippi Rebels 45-34. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end DeMarcus Walker (44) rushes against the Mississippi Rebels during the second half at Camping World Stadium. Florida State Seminoles defeated the Mississippi Rebels 45-34. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the NFL Draft just a couple weeks away, the New England Patriots are exploring their options at the pass rusher position.

With no first or second round pick entering the NFL Draft, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and his coaching staff have taken “no days off” scouting and working out NFL prospects who could fit their needs.

One of those players is Florida State defensive end DeMarcus Walker who, according to Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle, has a visit with the defending Super Bowl champions.

Walker is another player who interviewed with the team at the NFL combine and has sparked enough interest for a second meeting.  Ranked as the No. 10 defensive end heading into the draft, DeMarcus Walker could be a value pick for Belichick.

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Standing at 6-foot-4, 280 pounds, the Florida State product brings the typical versatility Belichick looks for in his defensive players.  He can play the edge as well as inside similar to the way Trey Flowers was used this past season.

Coming out of a top program like Florida State where he was hyped by coach Jimbo Fisher as one of the best players in the team’s history, playing under Bill Belichick could be an enticing situation for a kid with his defensive talent and versatility.

The All-American defensive end finished his senior year ranked second in the country with sacks with 16.5.  Despite his ability to get to the quarterback, he wasn’t ranked as one of the top prospects, which could add extra motivation to his transition to the NFL.

Walker certainly has the confidence within himself to make the next step and after a pretty good FSU Pro Day, he talked himself up with his performance more than his words.  When asked if his performance helped his draft prospects, the defensive end answered enthusiastically.

"“Heck yeah,” Walker said following the FSU Pro Day, via the Tallahasse Democrat.  “I believe I did.  Just hearing my team and everything with my numbers.  I came in here with my goals and I achieved everything except for one thing.  I’m very proud of myself.”"

That confidence and motivation will go a long way for a player who will enter the league with a chip on his shoulder.  Those are the type of players Belichick gets the most out of.

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