The Future 40, Prospect 24: J.D. Walton Scouting Report

<!--end meta-->

A new series was formed over a month ago here called The Future 40, and the next edition is here! The segment has and will continue to run every other day until late April as we provide you with in-depth scouting reports of some 2010 NFL Draft prospects, giving you information key to understanding some of the players’ strengths, weaknesses, projected round of selection, possibility of being picked by the Eagles, and much more! And because the Draft is an important event for the entire league, some of the top-ranked players not expected to go to Philadelphia will also be reported on. In the first look at a prospect, we evaluated Nebraska’s DT Ndamukong Suh, who many consider to be the best player in the entire rookie class. In the second, we examined powerful RB Jonathan Dwyer and in the other editions that have released, LB Sean Weatherspoon, CB Joe Haden, SS Earl Thomas, RB/WR Dexter McCluster, FS Taylor Mays, OG Mike Iupati, QB Colt McCoy, RB Ryan Mathews and DE Jason Pierre-Paul have been included. For a complete list of the prospects covered, simply click here. This time around, we will transition to the offensive side of the ball and look at J.D. Walton:

• Prospect Name: Justin “J.D.” Walton
• Position: Center
• College: Baylor University
• Height/Weight: 6′3″, 300 pounds
• Age: 22 years
• Class Status: Senior* (played in 3 seasons due to NCAA transfer rules)

Summary: With the likes of Mike Iupati, Bryan Bulaga, and Maurkice Pouncey seemingly dominating the Draft discussions about oncoming offensive linemen, J.D. Walton’s name has rarely been seriously considered by professional analysts and scouts, but is certainly one of the most consistent and motivated blockers set to enter the NFL. A youthful career at Allen High School in Texas (that included both state and country honors) helped the Center receive interest from collegiate clubs. Though he initially signed on to play with Arizona State, Walton would never take a snap as a Sun Devil, and eventually transferred to Baylor heading into the 2006 campaign. Due to NCAA rules, he was forced to sit out of all games that year with a redshirt status, but finally debuted the following season with success. One of only three linemen on the team to do so, Walton started in every game. In addition, he helped the team allow only 21 sacks the entire season (the fewest since 1955). In ‘08, his production did not fall, and in his 12 game appearances, the Bears of Baylor managed to gain the most seasonal rushing yardage amount since the 1980’s, and Walton earned several awards from the league. In his third and final season, Walton garnered national attention was even invited to play in the end-of-the-year Senior Bowl contest. His stock for the NFL Draft remains at a mid-level range, though, primarily because of his position on the field. Nevertheless, he is among the top offensive front prospects expected to suit up at the next level in 2010, and is arguably the best Center set to be available in the rookie selection process.

Career Statistics:

Notable Achievements/Awards:

• All-American Honors (2009)
• Baylor’s Best Offensive Lineman Honor (2007)
• All-Big-12 Honors (2008)
• Rimington Trophy Award finalist (2009)
• Outland Trophy Award Watch List member (2009)
• Lombardi Award Watch List member (2009)

Strengths:

• Is a strong, consistent blocker on running plays
• Has aggressive, passionate, and vicious attitude on the field
• Utilizes his physical frame to its maximum potential
• Acts as a true leader of an offensive line
• Is a very experienced player with a string of quality starts
• Has the ability to contain athletic defensive lineman
• Can move around quite quickly for a player of his size and at his position
• Adjusts well to DTs that use finesse/maneuvering techniques up front

Weaknesses:

• Is a bit smaller than the average, productive Center
• Tends to block up too high on opponents when they are attempting a pass rush
• Doesn’t have explosive capabilities or dominant features that impress NFL coaches
• Sometimes tries too hard to push defenders back and ends up lunging forward without success

Projected Round of Selection: 3rd-4th round

NFL Player Comparison: Jake Grove, Miami Dolphins

–

We hope that everyone enjoyed the twenty-fourth report for The Future 40 prospect segment, and urge you to keep checking back for more scouting analysis as the series continues all the way up until the Draft! Also, remember that we will happily take and consider requests from our fans for this series! If you or another Eagle fanatic is interested in seeing a certain player be evaluated in The Future 40, be sure to contact us as soon as possible, and we will attempt to include your selected prospect!

(picture source)