Deone Walker's Draft Stock Plummets Ahead of 2025 NFL Draft

Deone Walker, once a top contender for the 2025 NFL Draft, has seen his stock decline significantly following a disappointing 2024 season where he recorded only 1.5 sacks after a breakout year in 2023. Despite his size and versatility on the defensive line, Walker's challenges with pad level at his height have raised concerns among scouts. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears finished their 2024 season with a 5-12 record and a coaching change, hiring Ben Johnson to develop young quarterback Caleb Williams while evaluating the future of veteran receiver Keenan Allen. The Las Vegas Raiders are looking to revitalize their offense under new coordinator Chip Kelly, focusing on maximizing the potential of tight ends Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer after a lackluster previous season. Additionally, the Pro Football Hall of Fame has introduced new voting procedures that have made induction more challenging, as evidenced by the recent class featuring only four inductees, including Eric Allen and Antonio Gates. The evolving dynamics in player performance, team strategies, and Hall of Fame criteria reflect the current landscape of the NFL as it heads into the 2025 season.