Northcutt's impending release clears Walker's way
For last year's Rotoworld Draft Guide I did a column featuring 25 "prospects" for the 2009 season. This list excluded always over-analyzed rookies and was mostly comprised of second-year skill players. I left out anyone with extensive starting experience and, of course, guys that seemed unlikely to make 53-man rosters.
There were hits (Pierre Thomas, Steve Breaston, Tyler Thigpen, Kevin Boss), misses (Laurent Robinson, Brian Calhoun, Scott Chandler), and others that flirted with fantasy value (Chansi Stuckey, Miles Austin, Jason Hill). Mike Walker, my No. 1 "prospect," ultimately landed in the final group. Had it not been for continued knee trouble (MCL sprain that developed infection) and the tragic in-season deaths of Walker's best friend and father (Walker's dad died on the day of the friend's funeral), Walker might've qualified for group one.
Walker racked up 107 yards on six receptions in the only game he played much. It came in a hard-fought, 26-21 Week 4 loss to Pittsburgh. The Steelers had the NFL's No. 1 pass defense in 2008.
Here's what I wrote about Walker during 2008 training camp:
Mike Walker, Jaguars
Position: Wide Receiver
Draft Status: Round 3, No. 79 (2007)
Age: 23, turns 24 in November
Background: Walker began his college career at UCF playing both ways, and had 34 tackles and three picks as a sophomore cornerback. He moved to wideout full time in 2005 and excelled opposite current Broncos star Brandon Marshall, but tore his ACL at the end of that season. With Marshall gone, Walker returned to catch 90 balls for 1,178 yards (13.1 YPC) with seven scores as a senior. He ran a 4.35 forty at the 2007 Combine, but still wasn't healthy. Walker's knee acted up again in rookie camps and he spent the season on injured reserve.
Opportunity: The Jaguars maintain high hopes for Walker despite his "redshirt" year and put him with the second-team offense at June OTAs. Reggie Williams is the starting flanker, but Williams has a tendency to find his way into coach Jack Del Rio's doghouse and the Jags typically employ a heavy receiver rotation. Walker is the team's most naturally gifted wideout, ahead of even $30 million man Jerry Porter. If he remains healthy, Walker could pass Williams on the depth chart in-season.
In the end, Walker didn't play enough to disqualify for the 2009 Prospects list and will likely head it up again. With Williams, Matt Jones, and Porter gone, and Dennis Northcutt fairly certain to be released once he finds no taker on the trade market, Walker is locked into a starting role. He's also stayed healthy all offseason for the first time as a pro. There shouldn't be any surprise if he outproduces declining Torry Holt and leads Jacksonville in receiving this year.
Comments
well said. this is what i love about rotoworld. the well thought out in-depth knowlege of who will breakout next. ur sleeper lists have always benefited how well u guys know football and what players will seize an opportunity to perform. i figure this will be another rotoworld favorite over the summer and could land solid production. maybe not antonio bryant numbers of last year sleeper, but a 70 catch season is welcomed for us owners who took a roto-recommended flier on him last year.
Posted by: scott c | June 24, 2009 06:13 PM
I want to agree with you Evan. I do. But I can't. It's the knees. Everytime I get my hopes up about Walker, he blows a tire.
Posted by: Captain Obvious | June 24, 2009 06:47 PM
Way to go Evan. You just foiled my draft plans for my dynasty league. He's my #1 free agent pick up. The type of guy I could've gotten at pick 30. Giving me the opportunity to move up and get green and still get WR depth on the back side. Now I'll have to consider him in the 2nd round cause I know my fellow managers read your stuff.
Posted by: Magic Mike | June 24, 2009 06:59 PM
Like Capt Obvious, I want to agree with you - Walker is definitely very talented, but I really just don't trust his ability to stay healthy. Those knees scare me, and I'm not willing to put much stock in him.
Perhaps more importantly, I think the Jags have two real talents behind him in Mike Thomas and Jarrett Dillard... If I were going to bet on a Jags receiver, it would be one of them.
Posted by: Tim Marman | June 25, 2009 08:40 AM
opportunity is definitely knocking for mike walker. love him as a late round sleeper in a re-draft league, but the knee issues are scary.
I'd hope for a breakout season if i owned him in a dynasty and then try to move him at peak value, even if he appears to be fully healthy.
great sleeper with stud potential, but the knees...
Posted by: BeastOrBust | June 25, 2009 09:44 AM
Great write-up, Evan. Well said.
Of course the knees are concern, but that's what roster stashes are for: forget about the floor and go get the ceiling.
Posted by: Wess | June 25, 2009 12:19 PM
My take is close to the same as some of the others here. The knees bother me. It's football so injury is always a concern with any player. Walker is going into his 3rd year where we all know WR make thier biggest jump in production, but I'm not ready to project him on my draft board past 800yrds and 4TD's. I would take a shot on him as my WR4. If he still has that 4.35 forty he could be in for a couple big plays.
Posted by: Maddog | June 25, 2009 01:59 PM