Packers OT Rasheed Walker ready to fight to keep working

Green Bay Packers left tackle Rasheed Walker has made remarkable progress in 2023, his second season in the NFL. He went from a little-used seventh-round pick to a full-time starter at left tackle, traditionally the most important position along the offensive line. But this offseason, general manager Brian Gutekunst selected Jordan Morgan, another offensive tackle, in the first round of the draft. Walker is now ready to fight to keep his starting job in 2024.

Packers OT Rasheed Walker ready to fight to keep working: The road to departure

The path to becoming a starter in the NFL hasn’t been easy for Walker. Before his final season in college, the Penn State alumnus was ranked as a potential first-round pick. Unfortunately, his play dropped off dramatically and his draft stock dropped with it. The Packers selected Walker in the seventh round at 249^th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

As a rookie, Walker played in just one game and only four snaps. All came on special teams.

In his second season, Walker showed progress in training camp. He looked ready to play during training camp and during the preseason. He began the year as the Packers’ primary backup at left tackle behind David Bakhtiari.

Take over as starter during the second year

Bakhtiari aggravated his knee injury and was shut down for the season after the season opener against the Bears. Walker stepped in and became a starter starting in Week 2.

During the season, he played in all 17 games and started 15. At the start of the season, he struggled. His run blocking was average at best. While guarding Jordan Love, Walker was susceptible to inside moves and bull runs. The Packers even benched him in Week 9, but he returned to the starting lineup a week later.

In the second half of the season, Walker improved in both rushing and pass blocking. By the end of the season he was playing at a consistently high level. His final pass blocking grade from Pro Football Focus was strong while his run blocking grade was average but improving.

When asked what the difference is between his current game and when he came into the league, Walker told reporters: “I would say I’m a lot more confident than when I started. (I’m) more decisive, being able to play faster.

Walker described his approach to the game this way: “You just have to be locked in on every play,” he said. “It’s really all about preparation and confidence. As long as you prepare properly, approach a game with confidence, and have a short-term memory when playing, you will put yourself in a good position. That’s how I do it: stay focused, be consistent in my preparation and ignore the good plays and ignore the bad plays. Just be good every play.”

When the Packers released Bakhtiari after the end of the 2023 season, it looked like Walker would take over as the team’s new starting left tackle.

Packers OT Rasheed Walker ready to fight to keep working: Draft day changes everything

In the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Gutekunst selected Morgan. The Arizona alum played left tackle in college, but due to his below-average arm length, many scouts expected him to be moved inside to guard in the NFL.

Gutekunst indicated the team would try Morgan at tackle first, setting up a battle between the first-round pick and Walker for the starting left tackle spot in training camp. So far in rookie camp and OTAs, Morgan has seen reps at the tackle and guard positions.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur was pleased with how Walker responded to Morgan’s selection. “There are only two ways to do this, and I think he chose the right one,” LaFleur said.

That means working hard and competing for the starting job and not sulking after the team uses a first-round pick at his position.

Walker is focused on improving his game and improving his game. He is determined not to let anything get in his way as he enters his third season in the NFL.