Mizzou EDGE. Signs as UDFA With Denver Broncos
Although Johnny Walker Jr. slipped out of the 2025 NFL Draft without being selected, he quickly found a home in the league. The standout Missouri defensive end signed an undrafted free agent deal with the Denver Broncos, according to a report by Luca Evans.
Walker entered the draft with a solid chance of hearing his name called, but ultimately went unselected. Despite the disappointment, he still managed to secure an opportunity at the professional level. The Broncos, who added two pass rushers during the draft itself, emphasized their commitment to building their defensive front by picking up Walker after the event concluded.
At Missouri, Walker had an impressive final season. He posted 43 total tackles and notched a career-best 9.5 sacks. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Walker logged the most pass-rushing snaps on Missouri’s roster and earned the highest grade among players with at least 100 defensive snaps. His performance established him as one of the more disruptive defensive players in the Southeastern Conference.
Walker’s Pro Day measurements included a height of 6-foot-2 5/8, a weight of 249 pounds, and a wingspan of 79.5 inches. He put up 21 reps on the bench press, recorded a vertical jump of 32 inches, and posted a broad jump of 10 feet. In agility drills, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.79 seconds, completed the short shuttle in 4.58 seconds, and clocked a 7.69 in the L-drill.
In terms of evaluation, Walker may not fit the traditional size profile for NFL edge rushers, but he compensates with refined technique and a good blend of speed and power. His long wingspan aids him in beating offensive tackles, even when he struggles slightly with bending the edge.
Samuel Teets of Chiefs Wire noted that while Walker “lacks ideal bend,” he does show moments where his long strides allow him to whip around the edge and pressure the quarterback effectively.
Production has never been a question for Walker. PFF credited him with a combined 86 quarterback pressures over his final two seasons at Missouri. The real concern for scouts is whether his physical tools and pass-rushing style will translate effectively against the more athletic and powerful tackles he will face at the next level.
Beyond his on-field skills, Walker showed significant growth as a leader during his college career. In 2023, he faced disciplinary issues, including an ejection during Missouri’s game against LSU for two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, one of which stemmed from spitting at an opponent. However, he matured in 2024, stepping into a leadership role vacated by first-round NFL Draft pick Darius Robinson. Walker was voted a team captain, demonstrating his commitment and improvement.
Walker also displayed toughness by playing through a meniscus injury in Missouri’s Music City Bowl victory over Iowa. Head coach Eliah Drinkwitz praised his determination, noting that Walker could have easily opted out to prepare for pre-draft events but instead chose to battle alongside his teammates for the full game.
The Broncos are hoping that Walker’s production, growth, and grit will translate into a valuable addition to their defensive front.
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