What happened: NFL analyst Ben Fennell singled out Deone Walker, noting the 22-year-old's 6-foot-7, 330-pound frame, as one of the second-year players he is most excited about entering 2026. The comment came amid broader preseason evaluation of young defensive linemen.

Why it matters: Sophomore seasons often mark a technical turning point for young defensive linemen who saw limited rookie snaps. An analyst spotlighting Walker adds to the attention building around second-year defensive front prospects heading into the year.

What to watch: Walker's remaining preseason snaps will be watched as an early signal for his role once the regular season begins.