With the signing of Colin Cole and the trade for Corey Redding, Seattle seemed to have completely addressed the defensive tackle position.
But Redding is losing weight and moving back to his more natural defensive end position, which still leaves room for more depth or a possible starter from the draft.
Georgia Tech defensive tackle Vance Walker was a key part of a talented defensive line that will send three players to the NFL this year. The two-time All-ACC selection should find room in someone's line rotation in 2009.
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Strengths
Walker has a great sudden burst, which has allowed him to accumulate 11.5 sacks and 22.5 tackles for a loss in the past two seasons.
At the same time, he has a good all-around game, showing the lower-body strength and leverage to be an effective run-stopper at the next level.
Statistically, he produced as well as any defensive tackle in the country and was a leader for the Georgia Tech defense.
Weaknesses
He is undersized for most defensive schemes in the NFL, weighing in at 304 pounds at 6-foot-2.
Even at that size though, Walker doesn't have elite quickness and may not be nearly as effective in getting to the quarterback in the NFL as he was in college. Also, Georgia Tech's aggressive, stunting line play may have inflated his numbers.
He does not have the pass-rush moves to play outside and may have to continue adding weight to redefine himself as a run stuffer in the NFL.
How does he fit in Seattle?
Walker fits as a defensive tackle in the cover-2 defense with his quickness to penetrate into the backfield.
He'll never be a Warren Sapp, but he could be a very effective pass rusher for Seattle.
At the same time, his natural strength and run-stuffing ability give him great versatility. Currently, only Brandon Mebane has the ability to hold his ground against the run and knife into the backfield against the pass.
Walker could either provide a valuable backup to Mebane or eventually develop into a solid starter alongside him.
Draft position
After tweeking his hamstring at the combine, Walker finished with poor numbers and was forced to pull early, eventually missing his pro day as well.
Stll, workout numbers aren't that valuable for a defensive tackle, and teams will have plenty of game tape, so it shouldn't hurt his stock too much.
As it stands, Walker is a fourth-round prospect with the potential to rise or fall a round.
He had impressive production at Georgia Tech, and he could draw interest from 3-4 teams looking for an end along with 4-3 teams.
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Reach Jeff Richards at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
