“Jittery” David Walker
August 18th, 2026
David Walker (right) with fellow edge rusher Rueben Bain.
Despite being a 26-year-old, second-year NFL player, Bucs edge rusher David Walker made his game debut on Friday night.
Walker, who some believe is a Bucs pass-rush savior along with rookie edge rusher Rueben Bain, had a solid night against the Jets. He looked alive on defense (except for one questionable effort play) and he recorded two special teams tackles.
Watching Walker, Joe almost forgot it was his first game action — and that Walker is human.
The Bucs mic’d him up for the game and shared the results on their YouTube channel.
Twice during the game, Walker was caught telling someone he was feeling “jittery” and shaking off understandable game rust.
“I feel good, bro. You know what I mean? I haven’t played in a little minute. But like I’m a little jittery. I got to catch my second wind,” Walker told a teammate.
Later in the video he again uses the term “jittery” to describge himself.
Joe was glad for the reminder that Walker is a mortal. That got lost for a while after he was declared a Super Bowl cog on the final draft day of 2025.
August 18th, 2026 at 12:23 am
Lost in all the drama is the fact that it will be really fun to watch the new guys in the front seven. Bain, Walker, trotter…. There will likely be growing pains, but if those three guys turn out to be players, it’s going to be a lot of fun.
August 18th, 2026 at 12:39 am
I think DW is going to breakout this season. Wouldnt surprise me if he ends up having more sacks than YaYa. Good problem for us to have.(finally)!!
August 18th, 2026 at 12:45 am
My guess is he’s a total bust and never lives up to the over the top hype.
Just play ball and shut up. Really tired of the spin machine.
The only stat that matters is W’s.
August 18th, 2026 at 12:50 am
I hope David Walker has a productive year and registers some sacks for the D. Of course, this is all dependent on how Bowles uses him, I doubt if Walker will make a positive impact if he is asked to drop back in coverage like Bowles had his edge rushers do too many times last season….
August 18th, 2026 at 1:01 am
I was expecting a sack after all the hoopla, but he was ok.
August 18th, 2026 at 1:24 am
If doesn’t matter if they don’t get veta back in there to free some of these guys up
August 18th, 2026 at 3:20 am
Some are saying oh I was expecting D.z Walker to have some sacks. I thought he played outstanding. He must of scared the jets a lot in practice because they were double teaming and chipping him all game WITH THEIR STARTERS. They were leaving Pynum one on one with their worst starter and were doubling Walker . When they pulled their starters they continued to double and chip him. Even while being doubled and chipped he still had multiple pressures. If Bain and Vea and diaby had been playing it would have been pick your poison. Walker really reminds me of Dwight Freeney. His game looks VERY similar. Hope this defense can stay healthy because it i think its gonna be much improved. If his career is half as good as Freeneys was he would be an absolute steal. He looks a lot like Freeney.
As always go bucs.
August 18th, 2026 at 5:22 am
I watched the cut ups of all his pass rushes. He got a rude awakening of the difference between starting tackles in the FCS and the NFL. He was also gassed and needs to work on his stamina. Bain will get his rude awakening in Cincinnati when you see the caliber of their starting tackles. First year players and rookies aren’t to be counted on to suddenly make your horrible pass rush even decent.
August 18th, 2026 at 5:34 am
JT. Do you reckon in your first game played after a knee ligament tear you’d maybe be a tad tentative while you were adjusting to the recovery? I know the answer to that question. Of course you would. Another game or two, and Walker will gain a lot more confidence. He is on track, and in a big way.
“First year players and rookies aren’t to be counted on to suddenly make your horrible pass rush even decent.” JT- How much do you want to bet?
August 18th, 2026 at 5:56 am
Yes, Walker is human. It’s been the Tampa media that’s been making him out to be something he is not. That would be some kind of sack machine. What is he really? An already 26 year old from a small school coming off an ACL never having played in an NFL game until Friday. Folks, hate to break it to you, he’s nothing special.
August 18th, 2026 at 6:22 am
I think he was gassed a couple times because he had just played on kick coverage and then was trying to make defensive plays. He’ll get the hang of it.
August 18th, 2026 at 6:35 am
walker will get another year from the excuse, errr i mean marketing department at one buc place. rookie wall, knee 99% wall, he’s 26 wall, he hasnt played football in a couple of years wall, then after that year then people will probably add him to jasons failed thought he was smarter than everyone else list. along with JTS, and soon to be zzzzzyon and others.
August 18th, 2026 at 6:41 am
I did not watch all his snaps but that first interception was about 50% based upon his excellent pressure on that snap.
August 18th, 2026 at 7:02 am
Pressures’ on both INTs on Friday, and he on the one Wisdom caught he hit a double spin move with the 2nd spin being to avoid the OG while almost falling into the QBs lap. 2 different moves to get into the backfield on two seperate instances. Walker is going to be alright, especially as a 3rd/4th rusher.
August 18th, 2026 at 7:46 am
I get it. Staying healthy was likely on David Walker’s mind, on top of having first game jitters… nervousness. Only natural.
He still has a lot to prove, especially to me, but I hope he succeeds.
By the third preseas9n game he’ll be doming out of his shell.
August 18th, 2026 at 7:47 am
This is what preseason is for. Some player haven’t played in well over a year. Get a few games in knock off the rust and get ready for the season. Hoping to see Walker getting a few reps with the 1’s against the Chiefs. Hopefully the Chiefs okay their 1’s too.
August 18th, 2026 at 8:08 am
I understand his nervousness, being out for a year and being older. I’m really hoping things work out for him, as he seems like a quality person after staying at Central Arkansas.