Jordan Love earns praise from Packers left tackle in a way that validates what ball-knower fans have said for quite some time

Rasheed Walker has been Love's blind-side protector almost from the get go. David Bakhtiari actually was the left tackle in Week 1 of 2023 against the Chicago Bears, but the knee injury affected him again. From Week 2 on and for the entire 2024 season, Walker started at left tackle.

Now, though, the former seventh-round pick will have competition while he enters the final year of his rookie deal. Last year's first-round pick Jordan Morgan is given the chance to move back from guard to tackle, his original college position. For Rasheed Walker, the focus is on his preparation and desire to compete.

"My main focus going into this season is believing in the best of what I do. I can't wait to compete, I miss competing," Walker added. "In the NFL, you have a long offseason, so I've been itching just to get back and just prove myself once again. I feel like that mindset could be contagious to the rest of the team. If everybody is clicking on the same page, I feel like we can do great things this year."

Intriguing decision

The Packers have three starting offensive linemen from the 2022 draft class, which means all are entering contract years. Presumably, right tackle Zach Tom is favored to receive an extension, but Rasheed Walker and right guard Sean Rhyan will also compete for new deals.

According to Spotrac, Walker is projected to receive a four-year, $71.25 million contract—$17.8 million on yearly average. While this is not an absurd number for a solid starting left tackle in the NFL, the performances of recent high draft picks like Jordan Morgan and Anthony Belton will help the Packers make a final determination.

Whether it's on the Packers or anywhere else, Walker will soon be rewarded for his journey. And the seventh-round pick should be confident that a successful season for Green Bay helps him get there.