Colts observations: Rookie Walker adding intrigue at ILB

Stephen Holder | IndyStar

Show Caption Hide Caption Colts rookie ILB Anthony Walker has big goals off the field, too Colts Rookie ILB Anthony Walker wants to prove he is a leader. (Matt Kryger/IndyStar)

INDIANAPOLIS – It’s the third week of Indianapolis Colts organized team activities, and here are observations from Tuesday’s media viewing of practice:

Rookie heats up ILB battle

When you hear coach Chuck Pagano describe the duties of the “Mike” linebacker in the Colts’ 3-4 scheme, it’s hard to imagine a kid fresh out of college could handle the laundry list of tasks.

“It’s getting the call through the coach-to-player communication system, delivering the call, seeing the offense come out of the huddle, get guys lined up, make a strength call, make a close call, there’s run fits, there’s coverage checks – there’s a lot going on for those guys,” Pagano said.

Which brings us to fifth-round pick Anthony Walker.

After having been held out of OTAs until recent days because of rules that restrict players from joining their teams until their school’s current semester ends, the Northwestern University product has seamlessly jumped into the fray in the Colts’ wide-open inside linebacker race.

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Despite the daunting job description outlined by Pagano, Walker could make things interesting at one of this team’s most unsettled positions.

Both inside linebacker spots are up for grabs, though veteran Sean Spence seems to have taken the early lead at the “Will” linebacker position (the “Will” plays more in space while the “Mike” tends to be more of a run-stopper).

Walker has one distinct advantage over Antonio Morrison, another candidate to play “Mike” linebacker: Walker is a much better athlete. That was evident in the first glimpse we got on Tuesday, when Walker showed his ability to get to the ball in a hurry and change direction with ease.

Also working in Walker’s favor is his football acumen. The son of a coach and a kid people at Colts headquarters describe as whip smart, Walker arrived with a strong command of the scheme despite missing the past three weeks. While Walker is clearly sharp, this is also a result of hours of film sessions via phone with linebackers coach Jim Hermann in between classes and workouts on campus.

“I’ve been in my playbook,” Walker said. “Maybe a couple reps here and there I could have gotten earlier, but I’m just going with the flow of the game and it’s been a good transition.”

Said Pagano: “He’s picked it up really fast.”

Walker, who just completed his degree with a 3.2 grade-point average, said he plans to pursue a master’s degree in sports administration and, he hopes, one day take General Manager Chris Ballard’s job.

But, for now, he’ll settle for being on the team as opposed to managing it. And while inserting a rookie at a challenging spot like Mike linebacker is quite a lot to ask, Pagano seems open to anything.

“It kind of depends if you stick a guy in there and you can take some of (the responsibilities) off his plate,” Pagano said. “Generally, the veteran guy will call the huddle and make the checks and the safeties will help him out. Two (young players) would be a little scary maybe. With one, you can probably get by.”

That leaves the door open for Walker to be one of the two inside linebackers. What he does with that opportunity is up to him.

Colts DT Johnathan Hankins talks about the Colts defense. Colts DT Johnathan Hankins talks about the Colts defense and his expectations. (Matt Kryger/IndyStar)

Pass rush is a work in progress

The Colts are hoping for vast improvement from their pass rush in 2017, but they won’t get a true evaluation of this important aspect until training camp.

Until the pads come on, it’s difficult to determine who wins these non-contact matchups between edge rushers and offensive tackles. So, three weeks into OTAs, what the heck do we know about the pass rush?

Here’s some of what we’ve gleaned:

• Jabaal Sheard is not the fastest edge rusher you’ll see. But that’s not a surprise. He’ll get pressure via power and effort, which is what he’s known for. His lack of neck-breaking burst shouldn’t be a huge concern.

• Third-round pick draft Tarell Basham, on the other hand, looks the part of an explosive edge rusher. Speed and quickness can be assessed in OTAs, and Basham possesses both.

“He’s got burst, he’s got twitch,” Pagano said. “He’s a nifty athlete and he’s good with his hands. He’s got some natural pass rush to him. It’s going to be exciting.”

• Speaking of speed, one guy has it in huge doses: Barkevious Mingo. What will that ultimately mean? Perhaps not much if Mingo’s resume is any indication. The former first-round pick has just seven sacks in four seasons and played mostly special teams with the New England Patriots last season. But if the Colts can defy the odds and find a creative way to harness Mingo’s abilities, maybe this signing will pay off.

At least for now, with no contact and no pads, Mingo looks like a blur coming off the edge.

Colts Chuck Pagano talks about last day of OTAs Colts Chuck Pagano talks about last day of OTA, rookie linebackers and Andrew Luck's return to the team.

Sights, sounds

Receiver T.Y. Hilton left practice with what appeared to be a strained right hamstring. He initially had the leg wrapped and remained on the sideline before later heading to the training room. The injury was not believed to be serious, but it bears watching because Hilton led the NFL in receiving yardage in 2016. … Situational drills were Tuesday's theme. The Colts worked extensively on scenarios in which the offense started backed up to its own goal line, an endeavor that produced mixed results. Quarterback Scott Tolzien got the first offense a first down on some occasions, while the defense dominated in others.

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