Green Bay Packers left tackle Rasheed Walker has taken on the challenge of the arrival of Jordan Morgan, the team’s first-round pick.
Coach Matt LaFleur said Walker “said nothing” after the Packers took Morgan 25th overall in April’s draft and instead went to work.
“He came in with the right attitude,” LaFleur said Wednesday. “He was a guy who was completely locked in and completely plugged in (during the offseason training program).”
Walker, a seventh-round pick in 2022, started 15 regular-season games and two postseason games for the Packers in 2023. He went through the typical ups and downs of a first-year starter, but eventually settled into the team and finished the season sturdy.
In the first nine games, Walker allowed 20 tackles and committed seven penalties. At one point, the Packers switched to a left tackle rotation. However, over the final 10 games, Walker allowed 16 tackles and committed just three penalties while regaining his position as a full-time starter. At Pro Football Focus, Walker’s overall rating and pass-blocking rating improved dramatically in the second half of the season.
Always looking for improvement and competition, especially at the premium position, the Packers selected Morgan, an experienced left tackle from Arizona, in the first round who will have a chance to compete on offense as a rookie.
Despite starting experience and improvement by the end of 2023, Walker will need to regain his job on the left wing in 2024.
“I think competition brings out the best in everyone,” LaFleur said.
LaFleur was especially pleased with Walker’s response to the circumstances. Instead of running away from the competition, Walker faced it head on.
“There are only two ways to do it and I think he chose the right way.”
While Morgan has the opportunity to compete at left wing, he also took snaps at left guard and right guard during the offseason training program.
