Pro Football Weekly and Riddell present ...
2002 NFL draft

Speed Walker

Florida State wideout is weapon Favre needs

By Mike Holbrook, Managing editor of special projects
April 20, 2002

So I have to admit I’m a bit surprised that they passed on Northwestern LB Napoleon Harris, the top linebacker available in this year’s draft, after trading up with Seattle for the No. 20 pick. In fact, I was so sure that Harris was the guy the Packers had targeted, it was a foregone conclusion in my mind. Then, they drafted Florida State WR Javon Walker. Surprise, surprise.

However, when you look a little closer at the Packers’ situation, the selection of Walker (6-2 3/8, 210) is no surprise at all.

Walker is a big, speedy receiver who comes from a top-notch program. He’s a guy who was a little inconsistent in college, but who was definitely the Seminoles’ top offensive weapon last season as a senior. He’s strong enough to make catches over the middle and fast enough to get downfield and make big plays. His biggest knock is inconsistency, but I’ve got to think that he’ll do everything in his power to please QB Brett Favre. If you think Walker is excited be playing with the future Hall-of-Fame quarterback, think how excited Favre is with Walker?

With top receiver Antonio Freeman’s skills declining and his status unknown for the upcoming season; and with last year’s No. 2 and No. 3 wideouts Bill Schroeder and Corey Bradford departing via free agency, the Packers were looking at TE Bubba Franks as their leading returning pass catcher. Ouch.

I’m sure Favre was begging head coach/general manager Mike Sherman for some more receiving help. Walker is certainly a great move in that regard. The Packers traded for veteran Terry Glenn, but he’s a question mark after a contentious six years in New England. They re-signed WR Donald Driver to offset the losses of Schroeder and Bradford. They also have high hopes for second-year WR Robert Ferguson. I fully expect all three youngsters will get their chance to shine this coming fall.

I really like the look of this Green Bay offense if (and that’s a big IF) Glenn responds to the change of scenery and plays the way he’s capable of playing. Favre is, well, Favre. Ahman Green is an All-Pro at running back, the TE combo of Franks and converted WR David Martin are solid in the red zone and Driver, Walker and Ferguson are a potentially electric trio of young wideouts. Look out Chicago, Detroit and Minnesota, the Pack is definitely back!

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