Harry
ASFN Consultant and Senior Writer
In considering players likely to drop, one of my favorite concentrations is players recovering from injury. In this case not just absent due to injury but subsequently choosing a Covid opt out has caused Walker Little to disappear from virtually every draft projection. Despite injuring his knee in game one of the 2019 season many analysts had him as a round one selection if he came out in that draft. Despite the money on the table he chose to return to Stanford. I’m told there will be no general medical red flag attached to him.
If he is there when the Cards select in round two, he would be a steal. Since it’s an O-line deep draft, this drop is a real possibility. Little was a premiere prospect coming out of high school. On the technical side his agility is off the charts. He has exceptional balance reflected in the best footwork among the tackle pool. He handles speed rushers convincingly, easily shifting inside to handle stunts and swim moves. Seldom does a rusher get around him with any degree of momentum. Don’t let his Stanford IQ fool you. He’s very smart, but he is also very tough and extremely competitive. He revels in locking up defenders until the whistle, since he anchors very effectively. His punch is hard and effective when he is anchoring though added strength would enhance this part of his game. His greatest assets are exhibited in pass defense.
At this point he is only adequate as a run blocker. He needs to add both strength and technique. There is no problem with his motor or trainability. He has never played inside so his development would likely go backup swing tackle, right tackle then left tackle. I have every confidence he could effectively play either tackle. His intellect and athleticism should make him a starter by year 2 if not sooner. He would provide insurance for Jones. It’s also conceivable Jones could be effective at left guard. He anchors well and has the agility to pull. At worst this would give the Cards outstanding OT depth. At best Little could start for many years.
I’d like to see the Cards add O-line depth. Rarely does a team get an opportunity to select a top OT in round 2. It’s true a guard might seem more appropriate but you just can’t pass Little if he’s there.
If he is there when the Cards select in round two, he would be a steal. Since it’s an O-line deep draft, this drop is a real possibility. Little was a premiere prospect coming out of high school. On the technical side his agility is off the charts. He has exceptional balance reflected in the best footwork among the tackle pool. He handles speed rushers convincingly, easily shifting inside to handle stunts and swim moves. Seldom does a rusher get around him with any degree of momentum. Don’t let his Stanford IQ fool you. He’s very smart, but he is also very tough and extremely competitive. He revels in locking up defenders until the whistle, since he anchors very effectively. His punch is hard and effective when he is anchoring though added strength would enhance this part of his game. His greatest assets are exhibited in pass defense.
At this point he is only adequate as a run blocker. He needs to add both strength and technique. There is no problem with his motor or trainability. He has never played inside so his development would likely go backup swing tackle, right tackle then left tackle. I have every confidence he could effectively play either tackle. His intellect and athleticism should make him a starter by year 2 if not sooner. He would provide insurance for Jones. It’s also conceivable Jones could be effective at left guard. He anchors well and has the agility to pull. At worst this would give the Cards outstanding OT depth. At best Little could start for many years.
I’d like to see the Cards add O-line depth. Rarely does a team get an opportunity to select a top OT in round 2. It’s true a guard might seem more appropriate but you just can’t pass Little if he’s there.
