Walker’s improvement has been twofold. First, it was getting more comfortable with his assignments and the offensive scheme.
“Last year, early on, I felt like I wasn’t able to play as fast,” Walker said. “You know, I’m wondering what to do. I’m thinking so much, trying to do everything right, perfect everything. I wasn’t able to go out there and run full speed. This year, I’m able to get lined up and go out there and play as fast as possible.”
Walker has the size (6-foot-1, 198 pounds) and speed to be a matchup problem, and he showcased it in minicamp.
On one play, he caught a short crosser and turned on the burners to pick up significant yardage after the catch down the sideline. On another play, he took second-year cornerback T.J. Tampa deep and made a “spectacular” leaping catch, using Harbaugh’s description.
The other thing Walker has been working on is his route-running, particularly getting in and out of his breaks faster. He was surprised that cornerbacks would stick in his rear pocket last season, so Walker studied the route-running of teammates Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman to pick up details on how to shake defenders instead of relying on burning them.
“I feel really confident,” Walker said. “I know what we’re trying to get done in this offense, and I’m able to go out there and play full speed.”