More on Anthony Walker:
Instincts/Recognition 1 Quarterback of the defense. Has the football acumen to quickly pick up a new scheme and weekly game plans. Active eyes. Quick to read keys and locate the ball against the run. Above average route recognition and good feel for crossers in underneath coverage. Reads quarterback and gets an early break on the ball. Discipline is a touch inconsistent and occasionally gets caught out of gap. Quick to sniff out play action at times. Late seeing it at other times.
Take-on Skills 3 Beats blockers to the point and make plays in the backfield. Thick lower body and flashes ability to hold ground at the point when he keeps his pads down. Slips some blocks quickly but developing hand fighter with room to improve in terms of stacking and shedding in phone booth. Pad level is inconsistent and gets washed out or gives ground when doesn't play with good leverage.
Range vs. Run 2 Instincts and reaction time amplify range. Chases with good effort. Good initial burst and closes fairly well on a straight line. Flashes ability to sift through traffic but inconsistent angles and gets caught up in the wash running under blocks that he should fight over. Lacks the extra gear to chase down most backs on a straight line. Tight hips and struggles to recover when he overruns play.
Tackling 3 Tends to wrap up and wrestle ball carriers to the ground when he's in sound position to make play. Brick wall that has good stopping power and limits production after contact but not a violent downhill striker that jars ball carriers on contact. Tight and not nearly as effective trying to make one-on-one plays in space as he is between the tackles. Rips at the ball in gang tackle situations and forced four fumbles last year.
3rd Down Capabilities 3 Gets to depth and rarely gets caught out of position in underneath zone. Flashes ability to play the ball and intercepted four passes in three seasons at Northwestern. Active hands and good strength rushing the passer off the edge and between the tackles. Stiff in space and question ability to stay with NFL backs in man coverage at the NFL level.
|