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CONWAY -- Representatives from 30 of the 32 NFL franchises flocked to the University of Central Arkansas on Tuesday.
That number skyrocketed from three franchises a year ago, in large part due to the presence of former Bears edge rusher David Walker at UCA's Pro Day.
The 2024 Buck Buchanan Award winner, given annually to the top defensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision, was one of 12 former Bears to participate in front of more than 30 scouts.
Walker was joined by fellow edge rusher Deorius "Buck" Cobbs, running backs ShunDerrick Powell and Darius Hale, quarterback Will McElvain, wide receiver Trejan Bridges, offensive linemen Bakarius Collier and Justin Lairy, linebacker Demetrius Charles and defensive backs TaMuarion Wilson, Jacobrien Eichelberger and KeMari "K.C." Clark.
"It was good to be back in Conway, be around the guys, to see my teammates perform at a high level," Walker said. "It was just a good atmosphere today."
Bridges is the lone member of the group with the possibility of returning to the Bears. UCA Coach Nathan Brown said Tuesday the program is still awaiting a decision on Bridges' appeal for another year of eligibility.
Since winning his third consecutive conference Defensive Player of the Year award and the Buck Buchanan Award in January, Walker has been all over during his draft preparation. He competed in the Senior Bowl in February, participated in the NFL Combine and has been training in the Dallas area ahead of April's NFL Draft, where prognosticators have him as a Day 3 selection.
"I feel like I could compete against anybody," Walker said. "And just being able to win reps against those guys, it was just an eye-opener to see, like, man, I really got a shot at this thing."
Walker measured at 6-0 7/8 at the NFL Combine. At that size and 260 pounds, some have wondered whether he will end up as an edge rusher or linebacker at the next level. He participated in drills with both groups Tuesday.
After having formal meetings with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions, and informal meetings with the other 30 franchises, Walker said teams have expressed their preference for where he'll play.
"They see me as an edge," Walker said. "I feel like (UCA defensive line coach Tony Davis) he put me in a good position to be able to showcase that I can drop back and that I can play in coverage. So that was a good thing to showcase today, to show that I can do both, and that I'm willing to do both."
While Walker was certainly the primary draw Tuesday, he was not the only participant receiving NFL buzz. Powell did running back and return drills Tuesday to display his versatility. He was timed at 4.40 seconds 40-yard dash and did 21 reps in the 225-pound bench press.
"I came out here and showed that I got speed and all my abilities," Powell said. "I just wanted to show to the scouts that no matter where you're at, if you got the skills, you got the skills."
"That's a big deal," Brown said. "It's a big deal for our young men that are in our program to see that you can make your NFL dream, your professional career right here at UCA."
Walker said he did not take it lightly the impact his presence would have on getting scout's eyes on his former teammates.
"Getting to see those guys look at my teammates, not just me. It's not about just me, it's a whole collective thing," Walker said. "Seeing the smiles on the guys faces and just getting to compete in front of all the scouts that were where we are trying to win a job one day."