INDIANAPOLIS – The Colts rounded out the 2017 NFL Draft by selecting a sixth defender
With selection No. 161 in the fifth round, the Colts chose Northwestern inside linebacker Anthony Walker, Jr.**
Getting To Know Anthony Walker, Jr.
-Why Walker?**
Outside of cornerback, there's no more wide-open position battle on the roster than inside linebacker. The days of always having two inside linebackers on the field in a 3-4 defense are largely over. But the need for starting caliber bodies at ILB remains. Walker will add to the competition. In Walker, the Colts are getting an All-Big Ten linebacker.-Walker's Intelligence
The Colts did not hold back in expressing their love of Walker's football intelligence. Area scout Chad Henry said the Combine interview with Walker was one of the most impressive he's seen in 20 years of scouting. Walker is the son of a football coach and talks like one. Growing up in Miami, Walker already is familiar with one future teammate. Second-round pick Quincy Wilson has worked out with Walker in southern Florida for several years.-Where Does Walker Fit In 2017?
Becoming a three-down linebacker is something that Walker must try and grow into at the next level. Walker's name is going to be added to an already intense competition at inside linebacker. The Colts have Edwin Jackson and Antonio Morrison returning. Veterans Sean Spence and Jon Bostic came over in free agency. Now, Walker emerges out of the draft. Five guys for two spots? Expect to see plenty of situational packages out of the inside linebacker spots in 2017.
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