New York Jets Meet With Draft Target Devontez Walker Before North Carolina Pro Day

The New York Jets need additional receiver help and may look to the NFL Draft and North Carolina's Devontez for the answer.

Nov 18, 2023; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Devontez Walker / Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

As the New York Jets’ search for an optimized offense continues, reinforcements for the receiving corps are in order. Whether it comes from the discount rack of free agency or the NFL Draft, an upgrade in the slot and depth on the boundary should be expected.

New York may have taken a start towards the latter this past week.

On Thursday, UNC held its pro day, showcasing its NFL-bound talents like quarterback Drake Maye, receiver Devontez Walker, and linebacker Cedric Gray.

Nov 18, 2023; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels wide receiver Devontez Walker / Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

If insurance for newly-signed receiver Mike Williams is what Joe Douglas is after, Walker could find himself in green and white.

According to Tony Pauline, Walker helped himself with his performance on Thursday.

“Receiver Devontez Walker, who has been grilled by teams about Maye and his strengths as well as weaknesses, was incredibly complimentary of the quarterback,” Pauline wrote. “Walker himself had a terrific day, catching everything thrown in his direction. He ran quick, efficient routes and displayed soft hands.

“Walker has been on a mission since the Senior Bowl, where he dropped a lot of catchable passes, to dispel any concern about his hands, and most scouts were buying it Thursday.”

The Tar Heel may be best known for the transfer portal-induced drama that put the NCAA in hot water this season. Hoping to play closer to home to the benefit of his sick grandmother, he was initially denied before the governing body loosened its stance.

At the next level, he profiles as a field stretcher with the speed to stack defenders and create chunk plays. He’s at his best running nine routes along the boundary, not unlike Williams, who he’d presumably be the primary backup for. This may increase Allen Lazard’s usage inside, too.

While there’s certainly a role for Walker in most NFL offenses, inconsistencies working through traffic and after-the-catch skills that fall below expectation may limit immediate opportunities.

Regardless, New York seems to be interested.

“Walker met with the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars and New England Patriots over the past two days,” Pauline reported. “He has official-30 visits set up with the Bills and Jaguars.”

Walker is a candidate for the 72nd selection, where the Jets are slotted to pick in the third round. In an incredibly deep receiver class, it’s possible Walker hears his name called early on Day 3.