It’s never too early for a Mock Draft. Well, maybe sometimes it is, but it’s October, so let’s have some fun and look at the latest Mock Draft from our friends at Tankathon.com, who currently have Miami selecting 13th in the 2025 NFL Draft if the season were to end today.

They put out a three-round mock draft today, and they have Miami selecting two players from the SEC in the first two rounds.

 

Round 1, Pick #13: Deone Walker, DT Kentucky

Round 2, Pick # 45: Garrett Nussmeier, QB LSU

 

Draft Profile for Deone Walker per NFLDraftBuzz.com

Draft Profile: Bio

Deone Walker, a native of Detroit, Michigan, first made his mark in high school at Cass Tech, where he was a dominant force on the defensive line. Rated as a four-star prospect, he was highly sought after by several top college programs before choosing to play for the Kentucky Wildcats. At Kentucky, Walker quickly established himself as a key player, earning numerous accolades and awards throughout his college career.

As a freshman in 2022, Walker was named a True Freshman All-American by multiple outlets and secured a spot on the All-SEC Freshman Team. He played in all 13 games, starting 11, and recorded 40 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, five quarterback hurries, two pass breakups, and a forced fumble. His standout performances continued into his sophomore year, where he was named a team captain and earned multiple All-American and All-SEC honors. In 2023, despite frequent double teams, Walker led his team with 12.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, and eight quarterback hurries.

Walker’s career stats include 95 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, four pass deflections, and one forced fumble. His consistent ability to disrupt offenses and make impactful plays has made him a top prospect for the upcoming NFL Draft.

Scouting Report: Strengths
  • Massive size and length, standing at 6’6″ and 348 pounds, makes him a formidable presence on the defensive line.
  • Exceptional power allows him to dominate offensive linemen, often requiring double teams to contain him.
  • Remarkable foot quickness for his size, enabling him to navigate through blockers and pressure the quarterback effectively.
  • Positional versatility, comfortable playing across the defensive line and even dropping into coverage when needed.
  • Strong tackling ability, ensuring that once he gets a hold of a ball carrier, the play is stopped.
  • High motor and work ethic, consistently playing with intensity and determination on every snap.
  • Excellent in run defense – has the ability to plug lanes and disrupt running plays.
  • Strong leadership qualities, serving as a team captain and being recognized for his impact on and off the field.
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
  • Tends to play too tall out of his stance, making it easier for offensive linemen to gain leverage.
  • Still developing consistency with hand usage and block disengagement techniques.
  • Occasionally struggles with maintaining pad level, which can affect his effectiveness in pass-rush situations.
  • While versatile, he needs to prove he can handle a full NFL workload across multiple positions.
Scouting Report: Summary

Deone Walker brings an impressive blend of size, power, and agility to the table, making him a standout defensive lineman prospect. His ability to disrupt both the run and pass game, combined with his high motor and versatility, positions him as a valuable asset for any NFL defense. Walker’s strengths, such as his tackling ability, foot quickness, and leadership, have been evident throughout his college career.

However, Walker is not without his flaws. He tends to play too tall at times, which can be exploited by savvy offensive linemen. Additionally, his hand usage and block disengagement techniques need refinement. Despite these areas for improvement, his raw talent and physical attributes are undeniable. The need for technical development is common among young prospects, and with the right coaching, Walker can elevate his game to the next level.

Looking ahead, Walker has the potential to be a disruptive force in the NFL. His combination of physical traits and on-field production suggests he can be an immediate contributor on a defensive line. While he may face a learning curve adjusting to the pro level, his ceiling is as about as high as it gets.

Garrett Nussmeier Draft Profile from NFLDraftBuzz.com

Draft Profile: Bio

Garrett Nussmeier, hailing from Lake Charles, Louisiana, emerged as a four-star prospect in the 2021 recruiting class. Ranked as the 14th-best quarterback in the country and the 84th overall player by 247Sports’ Composite rankings, Nussmeier has completed 129 of 219 career passes for 1,720 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions while serving primarily as a backup at LSU. His high school career at Marcus High in Flower Mound, Texas, included over 8,000 passing yards and 83 touchdowns.

Nussmeier’s college highlights include a record-setting performance in the 2022 SEC Championship game, where he passed for 294 yards and two touchdowns in one half against Georgia. In the 2023 ReliaQuest Bowl, he led LSU to a 35-31 comeback victory over Wisconsin, completing 31 of 45 passes for 395 yards and three touchdowns, earning the game’s Most Valuable Player award. Over three seasons, he has demonstrated his ability to step up in crucial moments and perform under pressure.

Academically, Nussmeier has been recognized on the SEC Academic Honor Roll in both 2021 and 2022. He has also shown leadership and dedication on the field, consistently preparing as if he were the starter despite playing behind Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels. Now, entering his fourth season, Nussmeier takes on the role of starting quarterback for LSU for the first time in his career, poised to lead the team in the upcoming season.

Scouting Report: Strengths
  • Elite arm talent with the ability to make all NFL-level throws, showcasing exceptional velocity and touch on deep balls
  • Quick release and compact throwing motion, allowing for rapid decision-making in the pocket
  • Demonstrates advanced football IQ and ability to read defenses, likely influenced by his NFL coaching pedigree
  • Exhibits poise under pressure – had a clutch performance in the ReliaQuest Bowl
  • Possesses the mobility to extend plays and pick up yards with his legs when necessary
  • Shows consistent accuracy and ball placement on short and intermediate routes
  • Displays natural leadership qualities and commands respect in the huddle
  • High character individual with strong work ethic and dedication to film study
  • Strong football lineage, his father Doug Nussmeier, is a former NFL quarterback and current quarterbacks coach for the Chargers
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
  • Limited starting experience at the collegiate level, with only one career start under his belt
  • Needs to improve ball security and decision-making
  • Frame is on the leaner side for an NFL quarterback, raising potential durability concerns
  • Occasionally relies too heavily on arm strength, leading to forced throws into tight coverage
  • Must continue to refine footwork and mechanics to improve overall consistency
Scouting Report: Summary

Nussmeier boasts exceptional arm talent and thrives under pressure, showcasing the ability to deliver pinpoint passes from both clean pockets and amid chaos. His quick processing and accuracy in high-stakes situations suggest he’s primed for the next level. As he steps into the starting role at LSU, one of college football’s powerhouses, scouts will be laser-focused on how he performs against the elite defenses of the SEC over a full season.

The young quarterback’s gunslinger mentality is a double-edged sword. While it produces highlight-reel plays, it can also lead to ill-advised throws and turnovers. To reach his ceiling, Nussmeier must improve his consistency and fine-tune his mechanics, particularly his throwing motion. His pocket presence is a definite strength, but he lacks the elite mobility to consistently extend plays outside the pocket, making him heavily reliant on solid protection from his offensive line.

Looking ahead to the NFL, Nussmeier projects as a prospect with legitimate starting potential. His leadership qualities and preparation habits are standout traits that provide a rock-solid foundation for his development. The 2024 season looms large for Nussmeier’s draft stock. If he puts up stellar numbers and finds himself in the Heisman conversation, he could easily hear his name called on Day 1 of the draft. However, if he fails to meet expectations, he’s more likely to land as a mid-to-late round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.

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