/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46128676/622x350.0.0.jpg)
The Redskins are reportedly one of the teams on Texas Southern CB Tray Walkers pre-draft visit list. No word on when the visit will happen, or if it has already happened. The Redskins have been very uncharacteristically tight-lipped about who they are talking to under new GM Scot McCloughan. Visits have slowly been leaking out from agents, players, and analysts, but the list is still thin with only 15 days to go until the first night of the draft.
The majority of the pre-draft visit prospects that have been reported have been late round/priority free agents. McCloughan is putting in the work to find the late round gems that he was able to help pick up with the Seattle Seahawks. Enter today's candidate, Tray Walker. Per Field Gulls, Walker has the longest arms and longest known wingspan for any cornerback (Combine or Non-Combine invite) in this draft class -- with 33+ inch arms and an 80 3/8 inch wingspan. Also, his SPARQ rating is 123.9, or 0.7 sigma, good for 6th best out of the Non-Combine Cornerbacks, and good for 8th best if he were a Combine invite.
Walker is a raw prospect that needs to be developed. The type of player that McCloughan could value enough to spend a later pick on, especially if the team is able to trade back and acquire more picks. The Redskins still need to prove that they are capable of developing players like Walker into starters, or at least quality backups. With a new defensive coaching staff, they come in with a clean slate, and with McCloughan, they have someone with the ability to identify the clay to mold.
stats via Washington Post Sports
PRO DAY RESULTS
40-yard dash: 4.53 and 4.54 seconds
Vertical jump: 32 1/2 inches
Broad jump: 10 feet, 2 inches
Short shuttle: 4.3 seconds
3-cone drill: 6.8 seconds
Tony Pauline reported slightly different numbers from Walkers Pro Day:
Walker measured 6-2 3/4, 189 pounds, posted 36.5-inch vertical jump and 10-7 broad jump. His 40 times included a wind-aided 4.44 and 4.51 against the wind. Walker also clocked a 4.05 in the short shuttle and a 3-cone, which dipped under 6.7.
Looking for a late round sleeper?? Turn towards Texas Southern cornerback Tray Walker, a player that was not on scouting sheets entering the season.
Watching the film Walker is an explosive, sudden player who loves to mix it up with opponents. He's physical and fast but still a bit rough around the edges. Walker needs work on his backpedal but could easily line up as a nickel/dime back in zone packages.
STRENGTHS: Outstanding height and length. Played press coverage and would grab and lock-down receivers off the line of scrimmage preventing them from getting into routes. Possesses good ball skills. Attacks throws at high point and has the hands to finish with interceptions. Steps downhill against the run and does his part.WEAKNESSES: Tape shows lack of make-up speed. Will need help over the top on the next level. Extremely raw with very limited technique. Relies on length and needs to show growth and improvement with his ability to mirror from man coverage. Average transition quickness and feet in general.
DRAFT PROJECTION: Round 6 or 7
BOTTOM LINE: Very tall press cornerback with the length to disrupt and stymie weaker wide receivers. Walker's traits will have NFL teams extremely interested, but with a lack of deep speed and a great deal of growth and experience needed, teams might decide to play a waiting game on him and see if he's open as a priority free agent after the draft.