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RB Darius Walker, Houston Texans

HT: 5-9, WT: 210, Born: 10-21-1985, College: Notre Dame, Drafted: ---

2008 Projections

Best Case

Darius Walker's strong finish last season and fresh legs help him to wrestle the starting job away from the two veterans (Ahman Green and Chris Brown) and two other young (Chris Taylor and Steve Slaton) running backs on the squad. The Texans offensive line continues to improve, and the Texans offense becomes one of the stronger units in the NFL. If all of this were to happen, Walker could push for a 1,000 yard season.

Worst Case

Walker is the forgotten man with the Texans going to a platoon of Ahman Green and Chris Brown. He rarely sees the field and when he does, he doesn't stand out. His fantasy value would be nil in this situation.

Outlook

It appears destined that the Texans will utilize a multi-headed approach at the running back spot this season, but there is a real opportunity for Walker to earn some significant playing time with a great training camp. However with two proven veterans on the squad, it is unlikely he'll wrestle a starting position away. As a result, even if he does earn playing time he likely won't have enough touches to make him a viable fantasy starter this season. He is a player to keep an eye on throughout camp but that is all right now.

2008 Schedule

2007 Game Summaries

Week 14 - Darius Walker entered the game following the Dayne injury, and played well enough to keep Dayne on the sidelines. He ran the ball 16 times for 46 yards, and added six receptions for 35 yards on six targets in the passing game. While those numbers aren't great, Walker showed some playmaking ability in both the run game and the passing game.

Week 15 - Walker started the game for Houston and ran well throughout. He looked quick and explosive and he provided a useful contrast to the power running style of Ron Dayne.

Week 16 - Walker managed to put up 110 total yards on a day when his team got crushed and no one else around him seemed very interested in playing a full sixty minutes. His first two carries totaled 30 yards, but unfortunately for him, 52 of his yards came on the team's first two possessions. He didn't have very much room to maneuver after that as the game got out of control. The Colts stormed out to a big lead, resulting in the Texans pretty much abandoning the running game in the second half. Walker did keep himself active with three second half receptions, and he was the only running back on the roster to get a touch (after rumors of a Walker/Ron Dayne time-sharing system for much of the week). But the fact that the Texans never came really close to scoring after that first drive and the late garbage drive really put a damper on what could have been a productive game for Walker.

Week 17 - Walker took advantage of his opportunities and showed excellent acceleration to have several significant gains. He also showed a nose for the end zone by making a great effort by switching the ball in his hands as he stretched for the goal line as he was being knocked out of bounds. The initial call was a touchdown, but it was reversed after review. Undeterred, Walker scored on the very next play, in large part due to his ability to accelerate through the line of scrimmage.