The Tennessee Titans drafted outside linebacker D’Andre Walker in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, however he was unable to take the field in his rookie season because of an injury that landed him on IR.
Despite not playing in a single game during his first year, Walker was still able to learn from the guys around him, according to Jim Wyatt of Titans Online.
“Every day when I did my rehab, I observed how hard those guys worked,” Walker said. “I learned from those guys, and they also gave me a boost. They would push me while they took care of their business in the weight room and on the field. I received nothing but love from those guys, and I appreciate it.”
The acceptance Walker felt from the team makes him feel like he owes the organization his best for the upcoming season.
“Now that I have a chance to come back and play again, I feel like I owe the organization my all,” Walker explained. “I really do feel like I owe them in a way. I am just ready to play football again – it has been almost a year. I am ready to play at a high level.”
Walker remains a bit of a wild card for the Titans, a team that is looking for a boost in the pass-rush from the outside linebacker position after falling near the middle of the pack in the NFL in 2019 with 43.
The Georgia product is almost assured a spot on the roster as long as he’s healthy, but there’s no telling how much he was able to pick up while rehabbing and how that will translate in live game action.
The good news for the Titans is that they aren’t depending on Walker a great deal.
Tennessee has a solid collection of players at Walker’s position, including Harold Landry, Kamalei Correa and Vic Beasley. Derick Roberson, who finished last year strong, also figures to factor into the equation at outside linebacker.
But for now, Walker is confident in his abilities and says he’s just looking to help the team in any way he can, including on special teams.
“I know what I am capable of doing, and now I just have to keep my head up, and I have to work. I feel like I am on a great team, a family, and I want to do my part, starting on special teams. I feel healthy, 100 percent, and ready to go. I am ready to play football, and I’ll do whatever the team asks me to do.”
If Walker contributes little or nothing in 2020, it shouldn’t be held against him after missing his first season. However, if the former fifth-round pick can make a positive impact in any way, it would be a great sign for his future.
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