The Central Arkansas product was selected by the Bucs in the fourth round with the No. 121 overall pick after being named the FCS National Defensive Player of the Year. In 2024, Walker racked up 62 tackles, 10.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. He recorded 31 sacks in three seasons for the Bears and drew comparisons to Brandon Graham as a prospect.

Rookie linebacker David Walker figured prominently in the Bucs’ plans this year. But his first NFL season ended before it really started. Walker, the fourth-round pick from Central Arkansas, tore his ACL in only his second practice Friday and will undergo season-ending surgery.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Buccaneers rookie linebacker David Walker tore an ACL and likely will miss the rest of the season.