Two key pieces of Colorado’s defensive front are taking the next step in their football journeys. Arden Walker and Amari McNeill, two of the most consistent contributors during Deion Sanders’ tenure in Boulder, have officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft.
These two didn’t just wear the black and gold-they helped define an era of Buffaloes football under Coach Prime. Both arrived in Boulder in 2023, following Sanders’ high-profile move to Colorado, and stuck with the program through a transformative stretch. Now, after three seasons of grinding in the trenches, their college eligibility is up, and the NFL is the next stop.
Let’s start with Walker. His connection to Colorado runs deep.
His father, Arthur, suited up for the Buffs in the late '80s, and Arden grew up dreaming of following in those footsteps. He played his high school ball at Cherry Creek under Dave Logan, a CU legend in his own right.
After two seasons at Missouri, Walker came home-and delivered.
In 36 games with Colorado, Walker put up 91 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 14 quarterback hurries, eight sacks, two forced fumbles, a pass breakup, and even a safety. That’s not just a stat line-it’s a résumé.
He consistently brought pressure off the edge, set the tone with physicality, and played with the kind of energy that made him a fan favorite. Whether it was collapsing a pocket or blowing up a run play, Walker’s impact was felt.
McNeill’s path to Boulder followed a similar arc. He started his college career in the SEC at Tennessee, where he got his first taste of big-time football.
But it was in Boulder where he really found his groove. Like Walker, McNeill played 36 games for the Buffs, racking up 77 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, seven sacks, six quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles, a pass breakup, and a blocked kick.
His game was built on disruption-whether it was clogging up running lanes or getting into the backfield, McNeill made life difficult for opposing offenses.
Now, both players are aiming to make their mark at the next level. They’re currently projected as late Day 3 picks or potential undrafted free agents, but that’s just a starting point.
For players like Walker and McNeill, the pre-draft process-Pro Day, interviews, rookie minicamps-is where they can really move the needle. They’ve already shown they can produce in a Power Five conference.
Now it’s about showing NFL teams they can bring that same edge, effort, and production to the pros.
No matter where they land, Walker and McNeill leave behind a legacy in Boulder-one built on toughness, loyalty, and relentless pursuit of the quarterback. And for a Colorado program still building under Coach Prime, that kind of foundation matters.