LB Anthony Walker Jr.
Entering his fourth season, Walker Jr. finds himself in a very similar situation to that of Mack. The only difference is we have seen what his competition can do at the NFL level. Walker Jr. should be viewed as the starter to begin the season, but he won’t be without a challenge from Bobby Okereke.
There is no denying what Walker Jr. has meant to the defense since he took over as the starting MIKE linebacker in 2018. To do what he’s done as a fifth-round pick is remarkable. But he’s not without his limitations, and Okereke is unquestionably a better fit for the defense.
The battle for the MIKE linebacker spot is the one everyone is waiting to watch. Will the savvy veteran prevail or will the new hotness take over? No one really knows at this point what will happen, but it isn’t outside the realm of possibilities that Okereke emerges as the starter.
Walker Jr. has been a strong complement and running mate with Darius Leonard. He’s intelligent, commanding and a strong leader in the middle of the defense. But schematically, Okereke is a better fit and there is a chance he winds up taking that starting role.