Mandatory mini-camp is always an interesting period of the offseason to cover. On one hand, it is a chance to see how a team’s young players are developing after spending a year or two in the system. On the other hand, it is an opportunity to evaluate how fresh rookies and free-agent signings fit within the culture and scheme.

Veteran inside linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. is new to the Bucs, but that did not stop him from making his presence felt this week.

Anthony Walker Jr. Is A “Great Veteran” For The Bucs’ Defense

Anthony Walker Jr. essentially took the place of former inside linebacker K.J. Britt, with Walker coming to Tampa Bay from the Dolphins and Britt heading down to Miami. Walker joins the defense with plenty of experience, having played in 99 games, starting 83 of them. Although he has eight years under his belt, he is enjoying his new surroundings and getting to know the guys around him.

Bucs ILB Anthony Walker Jr. and OLB Haason Reddick – Photo by: Jeffrey Jones/PR

“For me, it’s just [the] Year 9 offseason, you want the season to come a little faster every year, but this is a crucial time [for] that team bonding, that team camaraderie getting built on that field,” Walker said about what mini-camp means to him. “Again, there’s going to be some days where you have to bring the juice, bring the energy.

“You know, you’re going against each other for a long period of time before you’re going against a different opponent so how can you continue to get better, make it fun, make it competitive and just have fun doing it? Man, this is a game – a little kid game that we get to enjoy. I’m about to be 30 years old this year so I’m enjoying it, still having fun with it.”

It has been noted by others that Walker is definitely filling the void left by Britt. While Britt disappointed on the field last season, he was always in the middle of the huddle getting the team fired up at practice and before gameday.

Now there is a new trash-talker in town.

“He’s always chirping, but he’s in shape and I saw him play and I’m very happy we got him,” head coach Todd Bowles said after the first day of mini-camp practice.

During that particular practice session, Walker and fellow inside linebacker Deion Jones were jumping up and down and screaming on the sideline. When the defense continued to make a stand and stop the offense during a red zone period, the two only grew more vocal and it became infectious. That shift in energy can make a big difference.

Who knows better about that than quarterback Baker Mayfield? Mayfield, who is quite the chirper himself, was teammates with Walker on the Browns in 2021.

“‘A-Walk’ and I go back to our Cleveland days,” Mayfield said. “We’ve had a great relationship since then. Coach Bowles said it last week, ‘You can’t talk trash until you know your job.’ Anthony Walker is a great veteran that understands his job and what needs to get done. Elevating the standard in practice and the competition level is good for everybody. You want to see that, as long as guys are doing their job.”

Anthony Walker Jr. Is Enjoying The Chance To Pair With Lavonte David

On the final day of mini-camp on Thursday, confusion came about when watching the Bucs practice. Inside linebackers, outside linebackers, and defensive linemen were all wearing other players numbers, making it a little more difficult to recognize who was who.

What stood out most was Anthony Walker Jr. wearing No. 54 – Lavonte David’s jersey – while the 35-year old veteran sat out of practice.

Bucs ILB Anthony Walker Jr. – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Both Miami, Florida natives, Walker and David have known each other a long time and are even rooming together this offseason.

“It still feels surreal sometimes,” Walker said about finally pairing up with David. “It’s kind of like taking a group chat and going on a trip together finally [laughs]. We compete every day, mentally. Obviously, [we were] on different sides. I [was in] the AFC, he’s in the NFC and then now to be teammates and still have that competitive nature daily – I actually live with him, so every day [we’re] just trash talking, but making sure we hold each other accountable like everybody in that room.”

He further detailed how rooming with the legendary linebacker is helping him learn the finer details in becoming a better player.

Bucs ILB Lavonte David – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“I’m watching him every step of the way,” Walker added. “From the way he handles himself at home to in the building, in the community, everything like that. To learn from a guy who I believe is a first-ballot Hall of Famer. At this point in my career, to just find out the little details of how he goes about his business every day, I’m eager to learn. I’ve been in his hip pocket ever since I’ve known him, but now being with him day-to-day, it’s been very exciting to see him how he handles his business every day. I can’t give y’all the secrets but hopefully they work for me.”

As Anthony Walker Jr. looks to prove himself, he will in the middle of an ongoing inside linebacker battle in training camp next month. Third-year linebacker SirVocea Dennis is aiming to develop into a full-time starter, while veteran Deion Jones could vie for playing time as well. Despite how things go, Walker is happy to be a part of the Bucs and hopes this is the last stop of his NFL career.

“I’ve been on some really good teams,” Walker said. “I love the way they do things here from top to bottom. All the guys, the coaches, the offensive coaches, defensive coaches – it’s a real family-organization here. I’m excited to be here. I told Lavonte I want to finish my career here so I’m excited to just join it and play my role in helping this team win.”