UIW to the League: Why Jalen Walthall, Declan Williams, and Traveon Newsome Are Built for the NFL
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
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The University of the Incarnate Word continues to quietly produce legitimate NFL talent—and the 2026 class might be one of its most intriguing yet.
After sitting down with WR Jalen Walthall, LB Declan Williams, and IOL Traveon Newsome, one thing becomes clear:
This isn’t just about production.
It’s about mentality, development paths, and pro-ready traits that translate beyond the box score.
Each prospect brings something different to the table—but all three share the same foundation: edge, resilience, and a chip that shows up on tape.
Jalen Walthall: Production Meets Playmaking Instincts
Walthall isn’t just a stat-sheet receiver—he’s a true offensive weapon.
A two-time FCS All-American, Walthall built his game around versatility and aggression.
He describes himself as a receiver who can “change the game in many ways,” and that shows up in how he approaches every rep—not just the ones where he gets the ball.
What stands out:
Vertical Threat + Ball Tracking
Loves the go ball, post, and stop route—all stemming from the same look
Elite ability to track and adjust to the football mid-air
Football IQ
Played in a high-level, option-heavy passing offense
Can diagnose coverages pre-snap and adjust routes accordingly
Play Speed > Timed Speed
Ran a 4.55, but tape shows faster
Separates with timing, leverage, and awareness
Walthall’s background in advanced passing concepts gives him a real edge in NFL meetings. He’s not just running routes—he understands why he’s running them and how they change vs coverage.
That’s a separator.
And then there’s the mentality—confidence without arrogance. At the Combine, he walked away knowing he belonged.
“I felt like out there I was one of the top receiving guys.”
That belief matters at the next level.
Declan Williams: Built Different—On and Off the Field
Declan Williams might be the most complete story of the three.
A linebacker with positional versatility, professional athlete bloodlines, and a deeply rooted “why,” Williams is the type of player teams fall in love with during the process.
Background that matters:
Son of former MLB pitcher Mitch Williams
Grew up between New Jersey and Texas
Transferred from Rhode Island to UIW to be closer to family
Plays with purpose rooted in family and responsibility
His story isn’t just unique—it’s defining.
Williams grew up helping care for two siblings with autism, which shaped his maturity, leadership, and perspective.
That shows up in how he plays.
On the field:
Position Flexibility
Played both inside and outside linebacker
Ultimately projects best as an off-ball linebacker
Instinctive Player
Produced early at UIW despite learning on the fly
High-Level Competitor
Willing to do anything to get on the field
Even worked out at RB during Pro Day for teams
His testing backs it up too:
6’0”, 236 lbs
4.68 forty
28 bench reps
4.32 shuttle
But what really stands out is his approach.
Williams bet on himself—switching positions, adapting roles, and then advocating to move back inside because he understands his NFL projection.
That’s rare self-awareness.
Traveon Newsome: The Tone-Setter in the Trenches
If you’re looking for the identity piece of this group, it’s Traveon Newsome.
A Houston native (Eisenhower HS), Newsome brings a throwback mentality to the interior offensive line.
His journey:
Began at Southern University
Overcame a torn labrum that went undiagnosed for years
Battled through missed time and adversity
Transferred to UIW and became a key piece of a championship team
That path matters—it’s a blueprint of resilience.
Play style:
Newsome describes his mentality in one word:
“Kill.”
And it shows.
Physical, nasty finisher
Looks for extra work—not just assignment sound
Thrives in gap/duo concepts
Strong awareness vs stunts and twists
He’s not just blocking—he’s trying to impose his will.
Measurables:
6’1”, 339 lbs
31 bench reps
5.23 forty (with room to improve at lower weight)
He’s also working toward playing lighter, which could unlock even more mobility in space.
For teams like the Houston Texans that prioritize physicality and downhill run schemes, Newsome’s play style fits exactly what you want inside.
The Common Thread: Why NFL Teams Will Bet on These Three
It’s easy to evaluate traits.
It’s harder to evaluate who a player is.
All three of these prospects check boxes that matter at the next level:
1. They’ve overcome something
Walthall: overlooked speed narrative, proved it on tape
Williams: family responsibility + positional transitions
Newsome: injuries + under-recruitment + path to success
2. They understand the game
Walthall: coverage-based route adjustments
Williams: defensive versatility and instincts
Newsome: awareness in pass protection and run fits
3. They bring an edge
Walthall plays aggressive and attacks the ball
Williams competes with urgency and purpose
Newsome plays with a true finisher’s mentality
Final Takeaway
The 2026 draft cycle will have its usual headline names—but don’t be surprised when programs like UIW continue to produce real contributors at the next level.
Jalen Walthall, Declan Williams, and Traveon Newsome aren’t just small-school prospects.
They’re NFL-ready mindsets with developmental upside.
And those are the bets that hit.
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