When a cornerback blazes a 4.38-second 40-yard dash, NFL teams take notice. That's exactly the situation for Akron's Malcolm DeWalt IV, whose elite speed has earned him a coveted pre-draft visit with the Green Bay Packers.
While not currently projected among the top draft-eligible corners, DeWalt's athletic testing is impossible to overlook. At his pro day, the 6-foot, 190-pound defender complemented his blazing 40-time with a 36-inch vertical and a 10-foot broad jump, showcasing the explosive athleticism that can translate directly to breaking up passes in the NFL.
DeWalt's journey to this moment is a testament to perseverance. After a brief stint at junior college, he thought his football career was over and took a factory job. A tip from his high school coach led him to Butte College—the same program that produced Aaron Rodgers—where he revitalized his prospects with a strong 2023 season featuring four interceptions.
Now, with a formal visit to Lambeau Field on the schedule, DeWalt has a prime opportunity to impress the Packers' decision-makers. In a league that increasingly values speed on the perimeter, his combination of raw athleticism and a hard-nosed journey could make him a compelling late-round selection or priority free agent for a team looking to add depth and competition in the secondary.
