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Outside of sack, top pick makes solid debut

Kenyatta Walker called his first game "a learning experience.'' But he says he knows he can play in the NFL.

[Times photo: Joseph Garnett Jr.] Kenyatta Walker helps Brad Johnson up after a sack.

By JOHN ROMANO

© St. Petersburg Times,
published August 14, 2001

TAMPA -- It was supposed to be the first step in a learning process. Turns out, Kenyatta Walker learned about seven steps.

Making his NFL debut Monday night, Tampa Bay's first-round draft pick said he was comfortable to a point. That point was the moment Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor went around him to sack Brad Johnson, forced a fumble and set up Miami's first touchdown.

The play was not entirely Walker's fault.

Defensive tackle Daryl Gardener already had sprinted through the middle of the line to hit Johnson first. Walker held Taylor up for seven steps and assumed his job was complete.

"The biggest thing I learned was to play until the whistle," Walker said. "I felt I had handled him pretty well. I had gone seven steps back and thought I was all right. But Brad was running around back there, and (Taylor) kept on going until he got him."

"I just hope it wasn't my fault."

It was the most visible moment of the evening for the Bucs' new left tackle, but it was not representative of his effort.

Walker, 22, was solid throughout his two quarters of work and said his biggest fears were laid to rest.

He did not let anyone sprint past him, and he did not get his quarterback drilled. He could go to bed knowing he would not be embarrassed when it came time to review the game tapes. "This was a learning experience, and now it's finally over," Walker said. "Now I can move on."

Johnson is the focal point of the offense, but Walker's performance could be nearly as critical for the Bucs in 2001.

Tampa Bay was left with a void at left tackle after Paul Gruber's retirement just before the start of last season.

Now it is Walker's job to protect the backside -- literally -- of Tampa Bay's new $28-million quarterback.

He is not exactly following a proud history of touted offensive linemen in Tampa Bay.

Other than Gruber, the Bucs have been seriously deficient when it comes to drafting offensive linemen in the first round.

Or have you forgotten Ray Snell, Sean Farrell and Charles McRae?

Walker acknowledged the four months of anticipation between the draft and preseason had begun to weigh on him.

"I was nervous. I was real nervous, but I think anybody would have been," Walker said. "After the first couple of series, it was just like football.

"It was weird hearing my name called and coming out on the field. It was really my first time in the stadium. It's a little smaller than (Florida Field), but it was a real great experience."

The veterans on the offensive line took the rest of the night off after the first quarter. Walker and new right guard Cosey Coleman remained on the field until halftime.

Walker performed better in the second quarter, but it was the first quarter that provided him a glimpse of the future.

"When Jason Taylor was in the game, it was very high tempo. Very high," Walker said.

"When he left, it was like I was back in college."

If nothing else, the performance confirmed what Walker said he had long believed: that he can play at this level.

The action was quicker. The competition was stronger, and the stakes were higher.

Yet Walker said he rose to meet every challenge.

"I did fine," Walker said.

"It was the first preseason game, and I didn't go out there and look like a rookie, hopefully."

Now all he must do is face another pass-rushing specialist Saturday in Cleveland.

"Now I've got Courtney Brown coming up," Walker said.

"Life goes on."

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