DeMarcus Walker is an intriguing prospect for the Indianapolis Colts defensive line.
Walker visited the Colts on May 10, sending feelers Indy GM Chris Ballard and co. could shore up their defensive line further.
Veteran free agent defensive lineman DeMarcus Walker visited the Colts today and visits the Titans on Wednesday, per a league source #NFL
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) May 11, 2022
The Colts’ pass rush was a letdown in the 2021 NFL season – that group’s 18.1 percent pressure rate ranked 31st in the league.
New Indy defensive coordinator Gus Bradley has his work cut out for him.
Could Walker’s potential addition help shore up the Colts’ pass rush?
Let’s delve deeper into this possibility.
DeMarcus Walker’s BackgroundÂ
Walker is entering his sixth season in the National Football League.
The Denver Broncos made him the 71st overall selection of the 2017 NFL Draft.
Walker was a disappointment in his first two years in the pro ranks – he mustered just 2.0 sacks and 11 total tackles in 13 games for the Broncos from 2017 to 2018.
Fortunately, he improved over his next two years in the Mile High City.
Walker had 8.5 sacks and 40 total tackles for the Broncos from 2019 to 2020.
The Houston Texans signed Walker in the spring of 2021.
Highest-graded #Texans from Week 7 (min. 25 snaps):
🔺DeMarcus Walker – 78.4
🔺Maliek Collins – 78.0
🔺Tavierre Thomas – 73.3
🔺Jonathan Greenard – 71.5
🔺Roy Lopez – 70.6 pic.twitter.com/Jmv3FQHDhj— PFF HOU Texans (@PFF_Texans) October 25, 2021
The 27-year-old Walker had a career-high 31 total tackles despite sitting out the Texans’ final three games with a hamstring injury last season.
Unfortunately, Walker produced just 2.0 sacks in his lone season in Houston.
How Can DeMarcus Walker Help the Colts In 2022?Â
If the Colts sign Walker, he can provide depth at edge rusher while playing behind Yannick Ngakoue and Kwity Paye.
With the way Walker’s pro football career has panned out so far, he’s never going to become an elite pass rusher.
He’s a veteran who can fortify the Colts’ defensive end roster that also features Tyquan Lewis and Dayo Odeyingbo.
Should the Colts balk on Walker, they can consider free agent defensive end Akiem Hicks.
While Hicks is older than Walker (the former is 32 years old), he has a better resume.
Hicks suited up for the Chicago Bears the past six years and became a Pro Bowler in 2018.
Unfortunately, his recent injury history – he has suited up a combined 29 games in the past three seasons – could raise a red flag.
Whether Indy goes with either Walker or Hicks, they will get a role player who will help shore up their pass rush.
Should The Colts Take A Chance With DeMarcus Walker?
Walker hasn’t lived up to high expectations since the Broncos drafted him five years ago.
However, his mini-resurgence over the past few years is an encouraging sign.
After all, Walker is just 27 years old – he has plenty of football left in him.
At this point in Walker’s NFL career, he’s a bona fide role player who can produce given the opportunity.
It’s clear the Colts want to increase their depth at defensive end.
Walker helps them achieve that goal.
So yes, the Colts should sign him.
Let’s hope wearing the Horseshoe can help Walker finally get his career on the right track.
NEXT: Colts Reportedly Taking A Chance On Former Browns Receiver
