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
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Posted by: Jykoxqrd | July 14, 2009 12:42 PM
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Posted by: Jykoxqrd | July 14, 2009 12:42 PM
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Posted by: myfreepaysite omc | August 28, 2009 11:56 PM