It is a new era long the offensive line in Green Bay. The release of All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari signified the possible start of the Rasheed Walker era. Green Bay showed their confidence in Walker through the trade. The former seventh-round pick started 15 games in his second season while Bakhtiari was out for the season. Now, it appears as though he is officially the starter.

This is what Matt LaFleur had to say at the annual league meetings this week in Orlando about Walker’s performance last season:

“I think there’s a lot of room for improvement, just in terms of a consistency standpoint. You know, playing 70 plays at a high level. We’ve seen some great flashes from him. He’s certainly athletic enough to do it. So it’s going to be a big offseason for him, but he’s a guy we’re certainly confident in.” 

The former All-Big Ten performer had a bit of a bumpy season for sure. According to Pro Football Focus, Walker allowed 36 quarterback pressures and six sacks on 545 pass-blocking snaps. He had a PFF blocking grade of 68.8 (33rd among offensive tackles). He is going to have to improve if he wants to have a great career in Green Bay like Bakhtiari did. But again, he is filling massive shoes. Bakhtiari played in Green Bay for 11 seasons and made five All-Pro teams. He will without a doubt be in the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame when his career is over.

Walker did only get called for one holding penalty in 2023 and played 100% of the offensive snaps in 10 total games last season, including Green Bay’s two postseason games.

Not only did the Packers lose Bakhtiari, but they lost veteran backup tackle Yosh Nijman, who joined Carolina this offseason. So, it is Walker’s show for now. It is up to him to improve if he wants become a longtime starter in Green Bay. If he doesn’t, the Packers might want to consider bringing in some veteran help for insurance purposes.