The Indianapolis Colts are one of 11 teams that had a virtual meeting with Mykal Walker:
Fresno State LB Mykal Walker has held 11 virtual meetings in total. He’s a great value pick.
Full list: #Cardinals, #Saints, #Colts, #Lions, #Giants, #Raiders, #Chiefs, #Patriots, #49ers, #Dolphins, #Browns.
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) April 21, 2020
The athletic and versatile middle and outside linebacker from Fresno State University, who can also play defensive end, is a powerful tackler:
Mykal Walker with a big stuff at the goal line. Love the way this man plays the game. pic.twitter.com/5oZrFl0Xzs
— JAKE OLIVER ELLENBOGEN (@JKBogenDTR) April 6, 2020
His first two college years (2015 and 2016) were spent at Azusa Pacific University, an NCAA Division II school in California.
Walker, who wore No. 9 with Azusa Pacific, had three interceptions in his 21 games.
In his sophomore season, he had a tremendous 102 tackles and a team-high 11.5 tackles for loss.
Walker also collected three sacks and had a blocked kick in 2016.
He then transferred to Fresno State and redshirted for one year.
The 6’3″, 230-lb senior wore No. 57 and No. 3 at Fresno State.
Walker did not miss a beat with the Bulldogs.
In both his junior and senior years, he was selected to the All-Mountain West First-Team.
He was a part of a 12-2 Fresno State team in 2018 that won the Las Vegas Bowl, 31-20, against the Arizona State Sun Devils.
When Will Walker Be Drafted?
The Colts have just the 22nd-best capital in the upcoming draft, according to ESPN.
Examining the draft capital of every NFL team, from the Dolphins (1,352 points) to the Bills (190 points), using the excellent pick value chart developed by @PP_Rich_Hill. pic.twitter.com/rCK3UDNkPj
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 16, 2020
Therefore, the Colts are looking for value picks throughout the draft, and Walker is one of them.
According to NFL.com, Walker projects as a sixth-round selection.
He could be a part of a much-improved 2020 Colts defense.
Although there are no current Colts from Fresno State, he would fit right in to help the linebacker corps.
In fact, according to Pro-Football-Reference, the Colts have never drafted a player from Fresno State.
Walker would be a very intriguing first Bulldog for the Colts.
Standout Fresno State alumnae include Davante Adams and Derek Carr.
Why is Walker Such a Good Draft Pick?
Walker played all of the team’s 26 games during his two years in Fresno, California.
He had just one interception, but it was an impressive one that he returned for a score:
🔥🚨THAT’S 35 POINTS IN A ROW FOR THE ‘DOGS🚨🔥
Mykal Walker gets a PICK 6️⃣❕ ‘Dogs up 42-13 #GoDogs pic.twitter.com/9B6G9ED9oW
— Fresno State Football (@FresnoStateFB) September 30, 2018
During his first year as a Bulldog, he ranked in the top six in the Mountain West in tackles for loss and fumbles forced.
His 14 tackles for loss in 2018 were just two away from the Mountain West leader.
Although the team went 4-8 the following season, he had an impactful year.
His 96 total tackles in 2019 were second on the team and put him in the top 10 in the conference.
On August 31, 2019, Fresno State opened its season against USC at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Walker had a tremendous game as he registered a career-best 15 tackles, including this one on fourth down:
A rare play from Mykal Walker. I’ve only seen two guys make this kind of play where both the quarterback and running back are tackled….Aaron Donald and Mykal Walker. Context is important here too, Walker makes this fourth-down stop with under 3 min remaining in the game. pic.twitter.com/R4g7To2Y5Y
— JAKE OLIVER ELLENBOGEN (@JKBogenDTR) April 6, 2020
The Fresno State senior has plenty of highlights during his time as a Bulldog:
Fresno State LB Mykal Walker could provide the Raiders with quality depth. Originally a DE, Walker improved in space, while retaining the nose for the ball. Look for him on Day Three@FullPressNFL
(📽️: @uSTADIUM ) pic.twitter.com/3B7PJVGYHa
— Full Press Raiders (@FPC_Raiders) April 11, 2020
Should the Colts Draft Him?
Colts fans are hoping that Walker can continue with these highlight plays with Indianapolis.
In 2019, the Colts had difficulty defending the pass, and Walker could help improve the team.
He could help be a part of a defense that goes from being in the bottom 10 in pass defense to one in the top 10.
The Colts seemingly need to address some of their offensive holes in the draft.
However, there are value picks on defense like Walker that can make this draft a memorable one for Indianapolis.
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