When a cornerback blazes a 4.38-second 40-yard dash, NFL teams are bound to 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 spectacular pro day performance has clearly put him on the Packers' radar. At 6-foot, 190 pounds, he didn't just show straight-line speed—he also posted an impressive 36-inch vertical and a 10-foot broad jump, showcasing the explosive athleticism teams covet in the secondary.
"It's cool to even be in the position of the conversation," DeWalt told the Kitsap Sun. "You never really think it'll be you."
His journey to this moment makes the opportunity even sweeter. A native of Bremerton, Washington, DeWalt's path was far from guaranteed. After a brief stint at Snow Junior College, he returned home and began working in a factory, thinking his football career was over.
A tip from his high school coach led him to Butte College in California—the same junior college that produced Packers legend Aaron Rodgers. There, DeWalt reignited his career, recording four interceptions and 12 pass breakups in just 10 games during the 2023 season. Over his final two years at Akron, he added 65 tackles, two more interceptions, and 11 pass breakups, proving he could translate his athleticism into on-field production.
For the Packers, who are always looking to add speed and competition in the defensive backfield, DeWalt represents an intriguing late-round or priority free-agent prospect. His visit to Green Bay suggests the team sees potential in his raw tools and remarkable backstory. In a league where speed kills, DeWalt has certainly made himself hard to ignore.
