Summary

Walker Little was selected in Round 2 (#45 Overall) out of Stanford University. A former five-star recruit and elite high-school tackle, Little entered college viewed as a future first-round talent before injuries altered his draft trajectory. At Stanford, he started 19 games across left and right tackle, earning Second-Team All-Pac-12 honors (2018) and developing a reputation as a technically sound, high-IQ offensive lineman. In the NFL, Little has served as a valuable multi-year starter and swing tackle for Jacksonville, logging starts at both left tackle and right tackle. Through the 2024 season, he has appeared in 50+ games with 30+ career starts, providing reliable pass protection and functional run blocking in multiple offensive systems. Known for his professionalism, intelligence, work ethic, and resilience, Little is respected within the organization for his team-first mentality and ability to step into starting roles when injuries arise.

Strengths

• Pass Protection Technique: Displays sound footwork, hand placement, and balance while playing under control and minimizing mental errors.

• Versatility: Proven ability to start at both left and right tackle, increasing roster flexibility and value. Despite early-career injuries, has remained available and dependable in recent seasons.

• Football IQ: Stanford background shows up in processing speed, recognition of stunts/blitzes, and communication. Shows a calm demeanor in pass sets; rarely panics when challenged by speed or counters.

• Length & Frame: Monster size with adequate arm length to steer rushers and maintain leverage on an island.

Weaknesses

• Average Functional Power: More “wine and cheese” than gritty mauler, Walker lacks domination as drive blocker and can struggle to consistently displace defenders in downhill run schemes.

• Limited Elite Athleticism: Lacks top-tier lateral quickness against explosive speed rushers and can be susceptible to heavy bend on smaller rushers running the arc.

• Anchor vs. Power Rush: Can give ground against bull rushers with elite strength and sometimes his bad plays can look very bad.

• Erratic Consistency: More reliable than dominant; does not consistently take over matchups against top edge defenders. Little will have games where he will allow zero pressures one week and then get beat for five the next.

Outlook

Little profiles best as a reliable starting tackle or high-end swing tackle in offenses that prioritize pass protection, structure, and technique over raw power. He fits well in spread or balanced offensive systems where tackles are asked to win with positioning, angles, and awareness rather than sheer movement ability. His versatility allows teams to withstand injuries without major drop-off in line play, a valuable asset over a long season. Little’s outlook remains positive as a steady, dependable NFL starter with multi-position value, but his starting position has recently fallen under turmoil with the stellar ascension of Cole Van Lanen in Little’s absence recovering from a concussion. While his ceiling may not reach elite Pro Bowl levels, his consistency, intelligence, and professionalism give him staying power as a long-term offensive line piece. In the right system and with strong interior support, Little can continue to provide above-average tackle play and organizational stability for years to come.