Chicago Bears: Walker could be the pass rusher and leader the defense needs

DeMarcus Walker, the former second-round pick for the Denver Broncos in the 2017 NFL Draft, could turn out to be an unexpected boon for the Chicago Bears. Walker’s defensive talent, combined with a fresh start in Chicago, could serve as the perfect storm for a standout season.

Walker is a versatile defensive lineman capable of shifting between the interior and exterior of the line. His positional flexibility enables him to be a unique asset, making him an excellent fit for a team like the Bears, who have a history of multifaceted defensive schemes.

Throughout his NFL career, he has shown significant strength in rushing the passer and disrupting plays in the backfield.

Walker’s stats may not jump off the page, but his on-field performance does. In Denver, he wasn’t always a starter, but he made the most of his playing time when given the opportunity.

Despite his limited snaps, Walker compiled a respectable number of sacks and tackles for loss, demonstrating an inherent knack for finding his way to the opposing team’s quarterback.

Walker had a very good season in 2022. Playing in all 17 games, he was effective in getting into the opponents’ backfield. He recorded 7 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and 16 quarterback hits. He added 32 total tackles.

With the Chicago Bears, Walker has an opportunity to further develop and solidify his role on the defensive front.

Given Chicago’s track record of nurturing defensive talent – think Khalil Mack and Akiem Hicks – the Bears coaching staff may be the ideal group to maximize Walker’s potential.

There’s more to Walker’s potential value to the Bears than just on-field performance. His arrival in Chicago brings a new layer of depth to the team’s defensive line. In a league where injuries are frequent, having a versatile and experienced player like Walker ready to step in could be invaluable.

Furthermore, Walker’s grit and determination can be infectious. He has overcome adversity in his career, from facing injuries to bouncing around the depth chart in Denver. This perseverance sends a powerful message to younger players in the locker room about the value of resilience.

Walker could be a great leader for the defense. He is not shy about letting his feelings be known. If a teammate is loafing, he will call him out. This is what a team with young players needs — a veteran leader who holds them accountable.

Another veteran, safety Eddie Jackson, is one who has been with the team for six seasons. He welcomes a new voice of leadership and enjoys having Walker on the defense.

"D-Walk is high energy. He’s going to call you out. Just to have a guy like that, first year, don’t care about the faces, come in and he loves football. He’s ready to call guys out, hold guys accountable."

Walker’s contract is a plus point. The Bears managed to secure Walker’s services on a very team-friendly deal. He signed a 3-year, $21 million deal with $15.650 million guaranteed. There is an out after the 2024 season. He will provide the team with an economical yet potentially high-impact addition to their defensive line.

There is talk about the Chicago Bears still looking at another pass rusher. Walker’s versatility can help in that area. He could shift to the three-technique. Despite general manager Ryan Poles drafting several players to play there, they are young players who still need to learn. Walker is a veteran who could step in there and have the rookies learn before they take over.

Poles could decide that having Walker, Trevis Gipson, Rasheem Green, and Dominique Robinson as the pass rushers. If he feels that Walker could build on last season’s success and Gipson return to form, that could be enough for now.

Walker is a valuable asset to the Chicago Bears not just for his athletic ability, but also for his versatility, resilience, and contract value. While he may not have been the most publicized signing, don’t be surprised if he becomes one of the most significant contributors to the Bears’ success in the upcoming season. Only time will tell if this potential diamond in the rough will indeed shine in the city of Chicago.