The Tennessee Titans were defensive-minded in the 2019 NFL Draft, making four of their six picks to bolster this particular side of the ball.
One of these was former Georgia linebacker D’Andre Walker, chosen with the No. 168 overall pick in the fifth round.
Here are six things to know about the former Bulldog:
1. He led the Bulldogs in sacks in 2018.
As one of the most effective players within Georgia’s top defense last year, Walker led the team in sacks with a total of 7.5. If he had been able to finish the season, that number could have been even higher.
The Bulldogs totaled 24 sacks as a team in 2018, meaning Walker accounted for nearly a third of that number. He was the only member of the defense to finish the year with more than 2.5 sacks.
2. He’s been recovering from an injury this offseason, but should be able to actively participate in camp.
After suffering an injury against Alabama, Walker had sports hernia surgery in January. Because of the surgery, Walker was unable to participate in the Senior Bowl or take part in the drills portion of the NFL Combine.
He was able to work out and do drills for teams in April though, and believes he’s proven he’ll be at full capacity during camp.
3. He had a career showing during the 2018 SEC Championship Game.
Despite only being active for three quarters against Alabama before being sidelined by injury, the SEC Championship may have been the best game of Walker’s college career.
He kept constant pressure on Crimson Tide quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and accounted for five tackles and a sack. Georgia struggled to rush backup quarterback Jalen Hurts after both Tagovailoa and Walker were forced out of the action.
4. He was a Top 100 nationally ranked recruit out of high school.
Walker was highly recognized by Rivals and Scout during his senior year at Langston Hughes High, where he racked up 23.5 sacks and 29 tackles for a loss on his final season.
While he received multiple scholarship offers, the Fairburn, GA native chose to stay close to home and become a Georgia Bulldog.
5. He was one of six former Langston Hughes High players eligible in the 2019 NFL Draft.
It’s unsurprising to see a large number of talented players come out of an SEC power like Georgia, but it is a bit interesting to see six players from one high school all eligible in a year’s draft.
Walker was just one of six Langston Hughes alumni to be eligible in this year’s draft. Other players included Jeffrey Allison, Montavious Atkinson, Keion Davis, Jeremiah Culbree and Bingo Morton.
6. He’s sacked Baker Mayfield, Drew Lock, Tua Tagovailoa — and given insight on it.
Heading into his NFL career, Walker has already taken down some big-name quarterbacks. These include former Mizzou signal-caller Drew Lock, Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield and Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa.
Two of those names will be in the NFL this year, with Tagovailoa following closely behind.
