Penn State star offensive tackle declares for 2022 NFL draft

Penn State offensive tackle Rasheed Walker has declared for the 2022 NFL draft, he posted Monday via Twitter. The redshirt junior will end his career with the Nittany Lions after four memorable seasons.

“The last four years have been some of the very best of my life,” Walker wrote. “I’ve met tons of great people and learned more about myself than ever. … I will forever be grateful for the memories I have shared with you all in Happy Valley and will always bleed Blue and White.

“With all that being said, I will be declaring for the 2022 NFL draft. This has been a dream of mine since I can remember and I would like to thank you all for being a part of it.”

Walker was a three-year starter for the Nittany Lions, earning third team All-Big Ten honors as a redshirt sophomore. A native of Waldorf, Maryland, he was rated the No. 6 offensive tackle in the country in the 2019 class according to On3 Consensus.

He was a part of the offensive line that paved the way for quarterback Sean Clifford to pass for 3,107 yards and 21 touchdowns this season. Penn State ranked fourth in the Big Ten in passing offense behind Ohio State, Purdue and Maryland.

Walker entered the season receiving first-round hype, but has since fallen a bit on boards. He still stands a chance to be taken within the first few rounds, and offers experience and skill to whichever team may land him.

In addition to Walker, Penn State receiver Jahan Dotson had also entered the NFL draft. He opted out of the Ooutback Bowl, finishing the regular season with 1,182 yards and 12 touchdowns. Dotson is considered one of the top receivers in the draft and a likely first-round pick.