Fresno State Athletics
Walker, Muti selected in 2020 NFL Draft
4/25/2020 5:00:00 PM | Football
FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno State football team had two players selected in the 2020 NFL Draft on Saturday, which was the final day of the first-ever virtual draft in the league's history that took place over the last three days.
Linebacker Mykal Walker was the 13th pick in the fourth round, No. 119 overall by the Atlanta Falcons, and offensive lineman Netane Muti was the second pick in the sixth round, No. 181 overall by the Denver Broncos.
The two became the 107th and 108th NFL Draft picks, respectively, in Fresno State history.
A closer look at Walker: Walker, a Fresno State transfer, redshirted his first season in 2017 and proceeded to be named a back-to-back All-Mountain West first-team defensive selection in 2018-19. His junior season was capped by being named the 2018 MW Championship game defensive MVP, which was followed by a Las Vegas Bowl win, while his senior season started hot opening the season with a career-best 15 tackles at USC. The linebacker finished second on the team in tackles with 96 while leading the team with nine tackles for loss his senior season. Walker was invited to participate in the 2020 Shrine Bowl (Jan. 18) as well as the 2020 NFL Combine leading up to draft day.
A closer look at Muti: Muti, an early entry, declared for the NFL Draft on Jan. 3 to forego his senior season. The offensive lineman played in five games over the 2018-19 seasons, suffering season-ending injuries both years. He was named an All-Mountain West honorable mention selection his redshirt freshman season when he started all 14 games in 2017. The 2017 unit ranked third in the nation in sacks allowed, allowing just 10 sacks at a clip of 0.71 per game.
He wowed the nation at the NFL Combine with a 2020 combine best 44 reps on the bench press. Since 2006, four individuals topped that number – Stephen Paea (2011), 49; Mitch Petrus (2010), 45; Jeff Owens (2010), 44; Dontari Poe (2012), 44. For perspective, there were 337 participants at 2020 combine.
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please visit www.bulldogfoundation.org.
Linebacker Mykal Walker was the 13th pick in the fourth round, No. 119 overall by the Atlanta Falcons, and offensive lineman Netane Muti was the second pick in the sixth round, No. 181 overall by the Denver Broncos.
The two became the 107th and 108th NFL Draft picks, respectively, in Fresno State history.
LB Mykal Walker // Atlanta Falcons
4th round (13th pick)
No. 119 overall
Quotable
"Man, it's a dream come true to be able to come to the ATL and join the family," said Walker. "I'm looking forward to joining the brotherhood. It's an incredible experience. I've been waiting for this moment my entire life. It's a dream come true for me to join this team and help any way that I can."
Notable
4th round (13th pick)
No. 119 overall
Quotable
"Man, it's a dream come true to be able to come to the ATL and join the family," said Walker. "I'm looking forward to joining the brotherhood. It's an incredible experience. I've been waiting for this moment my entire life. It's a dream come true for me to join this team and help any way that I can."
Notable
- Walker is the first Bulldogs' linebacker selected in an NFL Draft since Sam Williams in 2003.
- The Fresno State program has now produced nine linebackers in NFL Draft history.
- The Atlanta Falcons have now selected five Bulldogs in NFL Draft history.
- The last Bulldog drafted by the Falcons was OL Andrew Jackson in the 2011 NFL Draft.
- Walker joins former Bulldog Tyeler Davison (2011-14) on the Falcons' defense – who was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the 2015 NFL Draft, and is now a defensive lineman for the Falcons.
A closer look at Walker: Walker, a Fresno State transfer, redshirted his first season in 2017 and proceeded to be named a back-to-back All-Mountain West first-team defensive selection in 2018-19. His junior season was capped by being named the 2018 MW Championship game defensive MVP, which was followed by a Las Vegas Bowl win, while his senior season started hot opening the season with a career-best 15 tackles at USC. The linebacker finished second on the team in tackles with 96 while leading the team with nine tackles for loss his senior season. Walker was invited to participate in the 2020 Shrine Bowl (Jan. 18) as well as the 2020 NFL Combine leading up to draft day.
We all know @MykalWalker3 has that next level talent 💯
— Fresno State Football (@FresnoStateFB) April 25, 2020
Trust us.... @AtlantaFalcons, you'll love having this guy#NFLDraft | #GoDogs pic.twitter.com/41wj9bYOVx
OL Netane Muti // Denver Broncos
6th round (2nd pick)
No. 181 overall
Quotable
"I think I'm the best guard in this class," Muti said. "I feel like they really got a steal. I'm just excited. I'm ready to give Broncos [fans] my all and go out there, learn from the older guys in the O-line room and just be a part of the family and just win games. I'm just excited."
Notable
6th round (2nd pick)
No. 181 overall
Quotable
"I think I'm the best guard in this class," Muti said. "I feel like they really got a steal. I'm just excited. I'm ready to give Broncos [fans] my all and go out there, learn from the older guys in the O-line room and just be a part of the family and just win games. I'm just excited."
Notable
- Muti is the first Bulldogs' offensive lineman selected in an NFL Draft since Cody Wichmann in 2015.
- Fresno State has now produced 17 offensive linemen draft picks – tied with WRs for most of any position.
- The Denver Broncos have now selected two Bulldogs in NFL Draft history.
- The last Bulldog drafted by the Broncos was QB Tom Brandstater in the 2009 NFL Draft.
A closer look at Muti: Muti, an early entry, declared for the NFL Draft on Jan. 3 to forego his senior season. The offensive lineman played in five games over the 2018-19 seasons, suffering season-ending injuries both years. He was named an All-Mountain West honorable mention selection his redshirt freshman season when he started all 14 games in 2017. The 2017 unit ranked third in the nation in sacks allowed, allowing just 10 sacks at a clip of 0.71 per game.
He wowed the nation at the NFL Combine with a 2020 combine best 44 reps on the bench press. Since 2006, four individuals topped that number – Stephen Paea (2011), 49; Mitch Petrus (2010), 45; Jeff Owens (2010), 44; Dontari Poe (2012), 44. For perspective, there were 337 participants at 2020 combine.
Just wanted to say that the @Broncos got a STEAL in @netane_muti52
— Fresno State Football (@FresnoStateFB) April 25, 2020
Go show everybody what you're all about, Muti‼️#NFLDraft | #GoDogs | #PrideOfTheValley pic.twitter.com/Fv7E2ch0cS
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please visit www.bulldogfoundation.org.
Players Mentioned
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