We continue our training camp previews looking at the Indianapolis Colts’ linebacker core and one of their better players in the unit.
Name: Anthony Walker Jr
Position: LB
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 230
Age: 23
Year Drafted: 2017 (fifth round)
Background
Throughout his first season with the Colts, the former rookie showed bits and pieces of his potential by contributing via special teams and rare playing time on defense. But there was always something about Walker Jr. that made fans and media like his game a lot and that came to fruition in 2018.
Alongside Darius Leonard, the Northwestern product became a reliable starter and playmaker for the Colts’ emerging defense. In between obtaining 105 total tackles (69 solo) and one interception, Walker Jr’s combination of athleticism and intelligence really stood out and created some of the biggest defensive plays throughout last season.
But if there’s another thing which stood out about Walker Jr., it was his availability. The second-year linebacker played in five more games in 2018, compared to his total of 10 from two seasons ago while making 14 starts.
2019 Outlook
Walker Jr.’s outlook for this coming regular season will be to reaffirm himself as a starting piece for this Colts’ linebacker corps defense. And although it’s tough to have one productive season, the stakes rise when you’re challenged to do it again. And not to mention, these next two years are huge for Walker Jr. as his contract expires in 2020.
But going back to focus on just 2019, the former fifth-round pick must continue his progression of becoming a reliable starter and leader in his own way. In fact, it’s very possible Walker Jr can have a bigger impact on games besides the one he already has.
He will be involved in a very intriguing position battle with third-round pick Bobby Okereke at MIKE linebacker during training camp.
Bottom Line
There isn’t much Walker Jr. can’t do for a team still looking for ways to improve. Barring a sudden injury or event, Walker Jr should easily be a part of the Colts’ future plans on defense for the foreseeable future—even if he’s in a heated position battle.
