The North Star
May 14th, 2017
Derel Walker talks Jameis & more
The Bucs now have one of the rising kings of 12-on-12 football, where slot receivers get a running head start and players don’t earn too many loonies.
Yes, loonies.
That’s former Texas A&M receiver Derel Walker, Mike Evans’ college teammate who was signed in January. Walker jumped into the CFL in 2014, and he caught 198 balls for 2699 yards and 16 touchdowns over the past two seasons with the Eskimos of Edmonton.
Walker trained with Evans, DeSean Jackson, America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston, and other Bucs this offseason in Texas.
Joe asked Walker about Jameis, and it was the only time he smiled during the interview, and when various other media chatted with him.
“Jameis is a great guy, man. He’s a hard worker, for sure. I knew that right off the bat,” Walker said at Bucs rookie minicamp. “I was able to get a little bit of chemistry with him and some work. I just enjoyed it.”
Based on what Joe saw of Walker at rookie minicamp, he played a lot bigger than his 6-2 frame. He seems to really present himself very well as a target (if that makes sense), and Walker looked extremely versatile.
The learning curve is steep for him, Dirk Koetter has said. Walker understands why, but he’s not worried about the differences in the Canadian rules.
“Other than that it’s still football,” he said.
And Walker likes the experience he can bring to the Bucs. “We move around a lot up there. They moved us around so defenses couldn’t key in on what we were doing.”
The NFL came calling big time for Walker. He said the Bucs were the third or fourth team that worked him out, with several more scheduled.
Koetter added that Evans “vouched” for Walker, which Joe found interesting.
Walker should be a fun guy to keep and eye on through the spring and summer. Here’s a highlight reel below:
May 14th, 2017 at 6:31 pm
He may be a keeper. Depth at WR!
May 14th, 2017 at 6:33 pm
Impressive, indeed, especially considering how inaccurate CFL QB’s can be…
(Who’s he play for? The Edmonton Packers? 😉 😉 😉 )
May 14th, 2017 at 6:39 pm
Walker, Sperleck, Wilson, and vets Huff, Reedy, and Martino. All fighting for 2 spots.
May 14th, 2017 at 6:39 pm
Interesting video Joe. Looks like Walker has good speed & some nice moves, but must say that the coverage & tackling in the CFL leaves a LOT to be desired (as in it was close to the worst I’ve ever seen). Derel’s eyes will probably really be opened when he goes against NFL secondaries.
May 14th, 2017 at 6:41 pm
Cobra- having played with inaccurate QB’s should help him bond with and understand JW
May 14th, 2017 at 6:42 pm
Man, those end zones are a joke. Safeties must be depressed in that league.
May 14th, 2017 at 6:44 pm
I think he might work out
May 14th, 2017 at 6:45 pm
The is a big end zone.
This add to the excitement of the WR depth chart battle come training camp. Can’t wait..
May 14th, 2017 at 6:46 pm
The truth must really bother Joes
What’s sad is that you really don’t consider for a second that as a commenter with a new/changed name your posts are screened. And you can’t seem to wrap your head around the possibility that “moderation” could be a system glitch. –Joe
May 14th, 2017 at 6:49 pm
He is intriguing due to his RAC alone. A big guy with some run after the catch is one thing on offense we are still missing, from a receivers standpoint.
May 14th, 2017 at 6:56 pm
Gotta be able to play special teams.
May 14th, 2017 at 7:05 pm
Like this guy like his ability and size but damn he looks slow in those highlights. Evans Jackson Godwin hump walker then the rest is up for grabs in my eyes
May 14th, 2017 at 7:10 pm
I was really pulling for Russell Shepherd, but wow, it sounds like the Bucs’ receiver corps has taken a huge step up on the front line and depth.
May 14th, 2017 at 7:12 pm
I’ve said it before, watch out for this kid. I think he wins a spot! Peep his film, it’s pretty slick. Crazy Depth turnaround @ WR, f’n love it!!! Amped son
May 14th, 2017 at 7:22 pm
Bonzai just got a woody over this article…
May 14th, 2017 at 7:30 pm
The CFL is one thing, the NFL is something else. Long shot to make the Bucs I think.
May 14th, 2017 at 7:36 pm
Looks like a bunch of wide open catches. Gotta really be good to beat out one of the guys who has been on the team for both of koetters years
May 14th, 2017 at 7:41 pm
Man…the tackling was atrocious
May 14th, 2017 at 7:55 pm
JOE
I am excited about Walker as a prospect, but the fact that person A or person B “vouches” for a guy is hard to get excited about…… the failed Kenny Bell experiment is still too fresh on our minds.
-Carry a BMFS!
May 14th, 2017 at 7:56 pm
Thanks, Joe! I know you didn’t post this for me, but I’ll take it 🙂
People around here can talk all they want about how they ‘called it’ on this kid, but none of them did before me.
Buccaneer Bonzai Says:
February 24th, 2017
“Darel Walker will be one of the best WRs on the team next to Evans.”
https://www.joebucsfan.com/2017/02/tagging-malik-mcdowell-round-1-buccaneers-blog/#comment-3781373
Pickgrin Says
“Bonzai just got a woody over this article…”
Well, I wouldn’t go THAT far. But yes…it;s going to feel good when people finally see how right I was when the Bucs signed this kid. Especially after so many here mocked me for saying so.
Walker came to the Bucs for three reasons. Evans. Winston. Guaranteed money. He went to the CFL for one reason. He wanted to prove people wrong for not drafting or signing him.
And you can down talk the CFL all you want, but you would expected an elite player to excel there…like a bunch of good NFL players did to prove themselves before coming to the NFL.
Walker will gradually prove himself…and if Jackson gets injured, the Bucs will never look back.
May 14th, 2017 at 7:58 pm
Evans, D-Jax, Hump are sure-things …
Huff and Martino seem like good bets …
That leaves Waker and Reedy … one to make the roster and one to make the practice squad … I think Walker wins the job.
May 14th, 2017 at 7:59 pm
Jeremy Says
“Looks like a bunch of wide open catches.”
Watch it again. He made catches in crowds, me made catches that were low, behind him and pretty much anywhere.
He’ll win you over eventually.
May 14th, 2017 at 8:06 pm
NFLNut, count walker as a sure thing, because he got guaranteed money.
The truth is this: There are no roster spots open on this team now. The Jackson signing eliminated the final opening. Bucs have all 6 WRs on this team.
Mike Evans
Desean Jackson
Derel Walker
Adam Humphries
Chris Godwin
Freddie Martino
The last spot is Freddie Martino’s to lose. If one of the others not mentioned, like Huff (who had trouble with the law this off season) or Reedy or whoever can take it away from him, he might lose the spot, but Dirk Koetter see’s a lot of promise in him. Martino is two years into the league now, so may not qualify for practice squad (I’m not sure).
May 14th, 2017 at 8:09 pm
I am really loving this competition. Keep it up bucs.
May 14th, 2017 at 8:12 pm
The Bucs will be cutting guys that would have made last year’s team…and will be good enough to qualify for other NFL teams. We’ve come a long way. Our 5th this year may be as strong as our 2nd last year.
May 14th, 2017 at 8:20 pm
K2 – our “5th” WAS our “2nd” last year – LOL. And not just for 1 game either…
Same at RB.
May 14th, 2017 at 8:22 pm
sucNuts that’s your coochie @$$ opinion. Nothing factual about any of it. To have passed for the most yards in his first two season’s in the league would lead most common sense thinkers to believe he completed his fair share of passes quite accurately dumb@$$. As for Walker y’all might as well get use to his name, the guy making this team. And I get what you mean Joe, he’s presenting himself well all thru out that clip. There’s more to the game than just speed. Some guys make they’re way by precise route running, being physical at the point of attack. Hines Ward wasn’t fast but played forever because of other intangibles. This kid seems to have a knack for creating separation right before the moment the ball arrives. Look forward to seeing him do his thang next season. Welcome to Tampa Mr. Walker.
May 14th, 2017 at 8:26 pm
Punk @$$ muthaf@$#as call themselves Bucs fan but hate the QB. I love it, cause he gone be around for a looooonnnngg time @$$hole😀😉.
May 14th, 2017 at 8:27 pm
Joe- really??? New posters are monitored and there could be a system’s glitch. Both excuses are really lame.
May 14th, 2017 at 8:31 pm
Nole- I forgot that you are a Bucs expert. Let’s see you GUARANTEED Cook would be the pick. He was on the board and we wisely took OJ. Guess you are not so smart. Take off your Garnett colored glasses. JW has a bright future be even Koetter said he needs to make better decisons and stop turning the ball over.
May 14th, 2017 at 8:34 pm
When he signed I felt he was a keeper….hope it works out for him.
May 14th, 2017 at 8:42 pm
A lot of those catches are contested. Interesting prospect. Love his last name.
May 14th, 2017 at 9:01 pm
I sure did homeboy haven’t lost a second of sleep over the fact that they didn’t draft DC4. Really geeked about O.J., can’t wait to see him do his best John Mackey impression next season. And so you know I’ll being doing the exact same thing for Derwin James next draft season. “Fear the d@$! Spear and Fire the Gotd@$! cannons” that’s all I know.
May 14th, 2017 at 9:21 pm
The depth at the wr position went from shallow to deep in one offseason. Godwin looks really good the more I watch on him. Bucs are in really.good shape.
WAY TO GO LICHT!
May 14th, 2017 at 9:23 pm
The best thing about this guy is that for the past two years he’s been developing and balling out while playing in the minor leagues.
I have more optimism for him than a late round draft pick or a 2 year NFL vet who’s been riding the pine, barely practicing.
Yes, there’s a reason why he was in the CFL and not the NFL but at least he dominated and has been perfecting his craft.
I’m hoping he hits the ground running and makes an impact for our Bucs.
Let’s go!!!
May 14th, 2017 at 9:40 pm
NOS
Early Watch List:
• Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame (6-5, 325) ←
• Armani Watts, Texas A&M (5-11, 200)
• Mark Andrews, Oklahoma (6-4, 250)
• Donovan Wilson, Texas A&M (6-1, 205)
• Ralph Webb Vanderbilt (5-10, 200)
• Dallas Goedert, South Dakota State (6-4, 250)
• Jaylen Samuels, NC State (5-11, 220)
Honorable Mention
• Devin Chappell Oregon St
• DJ Calhoun Arizona St. <-
May 14th, 2017 at 9:49 pm
He’s a keeper and will take over for Jackson when or if he gets hurt . This guy is going to be the biggest steal of the office season! He will be a Buc for years to come ! Imo
May 14th, 2017 at 10:09 pm
Side Bar: Since we’re talking about a guys – pushing for a roster spot.
For awhile now word out Indianapolis. Is that the organization is not pleased with the production or development of former – 1st Round Pick WR Phillip Dorsett. In now with the addition of free agent WR Kamar Aiken. It has many believing that Dorsett will be traded at some point.
So my question is – do you think it would be wise to trade a conditional 2018 pick for Dorsett. Since if he’s releases he would have pass waivers. Meaning there would be 18 teams ahead of us – to acquire his services.
What do you think? Yes/No
May 14th, 2017 at 10:12 pm
Two things really stood out to me…
1. Ability to go up and get the ball over defenders.
2. Makes great adjustments to badly thrown balls.
I really hope he sticks… Looks like a great possession receiver with + size.
May 14th, 2017 at 10:15 pm
I remember John McKay took a run at Warren Moon from Canada after Doug had left.
That would have saved us some heart ache.
I guess he’s the most obvious success at crossing over from CFL.
May 14th, 2017 at 10:15 pm
(WR) Phillip Dorset
• Height: 5′ 10″
• Weight: 179 lbs
• 40 YD DASH: 4.35
Career Stats:
• (2016) REC: 33 |YDS: 528 | AVG:16.0 | TD: 2
• (2015) REC: 18 |YDS: 225 | AVG:12.5 | TD: 1
May 14th, 2017 at 10:31 pm
I’ll keep those names in mind LUV..
May 14th, 2017 at 10:33 pm
I say Yes LUV.. Sometimes some guys just need a change in environment.
May 14th, 2017 at 10:49 pm
@ luvmy?
Why would the bucs trade for dorsette? As many have mentioned, they are really deep at wr. If he gets released, i do not see a team salivating for dorsette. He couldnt make it with luck as his qb. I would much rather let him clear waivers and then sign him as a free agent before i trade a pick. If some other team pick him up off waiver, then so be it. Good luck to the young man on a fresh start i would say. As stated previously, the bucs have depth already. No need to act out of desperation for no reason.
May 14th, 2017 at 11:08 pm
Really excited about Walker. He is a lock to make the team and will challenge Godwin for the #3 role. We have great talent 1-5 now at WR. Major change from last season lol. Great moves by L&K
May 14th, 2017 at 11:09 pm
Give him 2 years tops and watch out
May 14th, 2017 at 11:18 pm
LUVMYBUCS Says
“So my question is – do you think it would be wise to trade a conditional 2018 pick for Dorsett. Since if he’s releases he would have pass waivers. Meaning there would be 18 teams ahead of us – to acquire his services.”
No.
If we were hurting at WR, maybe…but I think its now our deepest spot.
May 14th, 2017 at 11:27 pm
Bozai … thanks for the info … so the #6 wr spot is between Huff and Martino? That’s a tough call … I think I might give the edge to Huff … I guess?
May 14th, 2017 at 11:46 pm
@Joe, nice reference on the loonies!
@Bonzai, don’t start acting like realist bragging about statements from months ago man, please. Reports on Walker sound good, but let’s temper expectations and see what happens in training camp / preseason when the game is at real speed.
@LUV, I like the idea but as others have said, we are prob deep enough at WR that we don’t need to trade any picks for a guy who would just be depth.
Go Bucs!
May 15th, 2017 at 12:49 am
This Walker kid has same running style as Randy Moss. Not comparing in ability just sayin when he runs he has same form and pretty strong as well.
Be fun to watch in preseason.
Dorsett would solve return game but dont trade fro him, you put his speed in slot WR OMG!!
May 15th, 2017 at 1:14 am
@webster
To be clear when I speak of a conditional 2018 pick.
I’m speaking of 5th or 6th round Pick.
On conditions that he makes a reasonable contribution to the team.
These types of 40D chess moves – a norm for Belichick.
Its one of the many reasons – why – he’s kept his team in contention.
#RosterChurning
Belichick
Is a master at trading away lower round picks – for premium talent.
From top to bottom. Properly assessing, miscast talent. He knows that guys
will typically perform better. Once they’ve join a winning culture. With a particular way of doing things.
Here’s the Kicker though…
Remember he just traded away a LOWER round pick for PREMIUM pick.
So now he has the option to resign him.
(*He knows the risk; he deems there’s cause)
or
Let him walk; for a possible high compensatory pick.
Now does that sound like a move of desperation?
May 15th, 2017 at 1:18 am
*These types of 40D chess moves – are the norm for Coach Belichick.
May 15th, 2017 at 1:34 am
Walker doesn’t look fast enough to play in the slot so he and Godwin are going to spell DJax (keeping him fresh). Walker also looks like he likes contact as he drives his head down to get excellent YAC. Hopefully he can play ST as it looks like the bottom six are fighting for two spots. Hopefully we can pick up a waiver casualty that can return kicks or Bobo beats out Sperbeck with return game but I don’t see that happening. I think Walker and Sperbeck make it and Huff and maybe Dye because they know the system land on the PS. Wow, that is one of the deepest positions on the team. Go Bucs!!!
1. Mike Evans
2. Desean Jackson
3. Adam Humphries
4. Chris Godwin
_______________
5. Derel Walker
6. Thomas Sperbeck
7. Josh Huff
8. Bobo Wilson
9. Dontae Dye
10. Freddie Martino
May 15th, 2017 at 7:12 am
Evans
Jackson
Godwin
Sperbeck
Humphries
Wilson
Humps going to have a tough time standing out now that bucs have more than Evans for the first time in three years.
May 15th, 2017 at 8:41 am
unbelievable Says
“@Bonzai, don’t start acting like realist bragging about statements from months ago man, please. Reports on Walker sound good, but let’s temper expectations and see what happens in training camp / preseason when the game is at real speed.”
Concerning Derel Walker, I’m going to brag, brag, brag…because I took a LOT of mockery for saying he will have better stats than Desean Jackson. Everyone of the mockers considered him camp meat.
Now, as time passes and they hear more about him, a few are changing their opinions. But I said back in February that people should bookmark it, and I’ve made no secret that I will rub it in people’s faces when I am proven right. I have all the mockers comments bookmarked so I can make them eat crow.
So consider this an appetizer for those people.
As to this part of your comment: “see what happens in training camp / preseason when the game is at real speed.”
I’m not in the least concerned about game speed affecting Walker. He’s seasoned enough now to already play at game speed.
May 15th, 2017 at 8:43 am
In fact, CFL offenses play fast than in the NFL.
May 15th, 2017 at 9:39 am
BBonzai…If Walker gets more yards than DJax, that’ll mean DJax got hurt, please don’t ever speak words like that again!!!!
May 15th, 2017 at 10:25 am
@ luvmy?
I know what a conditional pick means. The point is why trade a conditional pick for a player where we are already strong? That would be stupid. We could use said 5th/6th round pick to move up in the draft next year as we have seen licht do so many times in his tenure. Belicheck trades conditional picks for positions of need. Thats the difference. Stop overthinking this thing. We dont need dorsette, a player thats probably going to be cut any way.
May 15th, 2017 at 10:35 am
Another thing you are missing is when team trade a conditional pick for a player, its a given that player is making the team. The condition comes in based of playing time/contribution which will determine if its a 3rd or 4th pick. Its no gaurantee that dorsette would even make this team which means we would have given up at least a 6th pick for absolutely nothing. What sense does that make?
May 15th, 2017 at 11:54 am
I fairly certain that Walker and Godwin will get plenty of targets and touches (WR/Screen) this season. Will Walker make the team? Yes..!!
If Koetter really wants to play a “4-Verticle Offense”, you’ll need speed at depth because ME13 and DJax and Hump(?) can’t run sprints every play, targeted or not.
Walker and Godwin will be available to give the starters quality relief “between sprints”.
I see the “value/performance” criteria for both Walker and Godwin will be their ability to know the plays/playbook for ALL 3 WR’s. That way Koetter can sub with confidence knowing he has speed and skill to burn on the bench.
One football, lots of quality targets. A true “embarrassment of riches”.
Go Bucs…!!!
May 15th, 2017 at 12:10 pm
BTW, I won’t knock Hump….but…quality depth means he won’t get the touches this year.
I would also join in the chorus of fans cheering for bench WR’s without tempering expectations based only on speed/shake/catch.
The #5-6 WR’s will have to provide quality ST play. Or, beat out the starters during TC.
May 15th, 2017 at 12:26 pm
@webster
C’mon man the condition(s) can be any number of things.
• If makes the team.
• If he gets a certain amount of snaps
• If he plays a certain amount of games
….etc, etc.
Whatever the condition(s) are. If not meet – the BUCS don’t have to forfeit a damn thang.
Ref: Reggie Brown trade 2010
The Eagles never received that pick – because Reggie Brown was released.
May 15th, 2017 at 12:26 pm
Alright Bonzai I’ll concede that point. You def did take a lot of slack when we signed him.
May 15th, 2017 at 12:34 pm
The way I look at it.
Dorsett could serve as Jackson’s understudy/possible insurance policy.
Since Godwin is more of a position receiver (Tape don’t lie)
Possible Depth
• Mike Evans | Chris Godwin
• DeSean Jackson | Phillip Dorsett
• Adam Humphries | Josh Huff
Plus he can add – additional value in the return game
May 15th, 2017 at 12:38 pm
Buccaneer Bonzai Says:
May 14th, 2017 at 7:56 pm
Thanks, Joe! I know you didn’t post this for me, but I’ll take it 🙂
People around here can talk all they want about how they ‘called it’ on this kid, but none of them did before me.
—————-
Drawing attention to calling it before he makes it is pointless. He’s in training camp. He has a decent shot at the #5 or #6 spot (if we carry 6) if he can play special teams. His five minute highlight tape from the CFL really only contained a few actual highlights, the rest were simply him doing what he was supposed to do on routine plays (as in catching ball and getting tackled).
There are one or two spots open. Evans, Jackson, Godwin, and probably Humphries, are guaranteed spots. The five and six guys HAVE to play special teams and do it well… it doesn’t matter how good they are as a 5th or 6th WR if they can’t play special teams.
Before anybody else gets all riled up about Walker, realize, please, that this was a CFL highlight tape… tons of guys have succeeded in the CFL only to not make it in the NFL… as a matter of fact, there are far less success stories than failures. For every Joe Horn, Raghib Ismael (both exceptions to the normal rule), and Mervyn Fernandez there are dozens of Duron Carters, Winston Octobers, and Eric Rogers…. they just don’t normally cut it no matter how good they were in the CFL.
Walker is hardly a shoo-in to make the roster… he has a ton of (bad) history behind him that tells us that it very unlikely. CFL gems just aren’t that easy to find. Yep, there is Cameron Wake and Brandon Brow ner… but there aren’t a whole lot of CFL guys that CAN play in the NFL. I find it hilarious that people are already wondering how he’s going to get his touches in our offense… he hasn’t even made the team! As of right now, he is one of seven guys fighting for possibly two spots. It’s between him, Bernard Reedy, Dontae Dye, Thomas Sperbeck, Freddie Martino, Jesus Wilson, and Josh Huff. Now I don’t know if any of those guys can be good gunners on punt coverage or play on kick coverage teams… but Wilson, Huff, Reedy, and Sperbeck have some return experience…. ideally, the 5th or 6th WRs will be playing on at least four out of six special teams units. At least in college, Walker never returned a kick or punt so the odds are against him making the team.
May 15th, 2017 at 12:55 pm
OMG, I just saw somebody compare Walker’s “running style” to Randy Moss…. If i were drinking something I would have spit it all over the monitor.
You realize that Walker ran a handtimed 4.65 40 at his Pro Day…he’s not running by any NFL DBs… 4.65 handtimed is the equivalent to a 4.7+ electronically timed 40… and sure, Cris Carter and Anquan Boldin both had great careers despite running slow 40’s…. but this dude isn’t Carter or Boldin. Carter was 6’3 and had hands of glue…he was the most athletic slow guy ever… Boldin’s game was built on power and strength… Walker is 6’1 even… and is skinny. I’m going to throw my chips in the pile and say that he doesn’t make the team. Nothing against him… or Bonzai… or anybody… but the chances of him making the roster are very slim.
This kind of reminds me of the Paris Warren phenomenon from a few years back…. people were already trying to pre-order their Warren Pro Bowl jerseys and wondering if he would be 1st or 2nd team All-Pro… based on what he did against future Budget Rental Car Managers and truck drivers…. but Warren never played a down.
May 15th, 2017 at 1:01 pm
@webster
Trade for/Acquire – Speedy Slot Receiver (Ideal for Coryell offense)
• (2015) Travis Benjamin
• (2016) Taylor Gabriel
Last couple years – I’ve suggested we make similar trades.
• (2017) Phillip Dorsett ???
lol
May 15th, 2017 at 2:53 pm
Some great points Brandon.
That’s why I told Bonzai to slow his role in my first comment. It’s great to hear he looks good in camp but until he’s doing it against NFL players, it doesn’t mean much.
May 15th, 2017 at 6:15 pm
He basically dominated the CFL talent. He might be a good #5 WR in the NFL.
As long the bucs give him time and the opportunity to grow. I like what I’ve seen from him. You don’t need blazing fast speed to be a good receiver. Just the ability to create separation. There are a ton of slow WRs in the NFL. And plenty of them are very successful. If he can continue to get separation against 3rd and 4th CBS, he should be able to win the job. He has the most experience of any of the cast offs we have fighting for the 4th and 5th (maybe 6th) WR spot. That experience can prove to be the difference maker.
May 15th, 2017 at 8:51 pm
50-50 that he makes the team after further consideration.
May 15th, 2017 at 9:20 pm
@Trubucfan22. Exactly. Many people think that all our receivers have to run 4.3 40s. Give me the guys that can catch first, then hopefully you can find good hands and speed.
May 16th, 2017 at 8:07 pm
Time reveals all.