The rumor was Baalke wanted Walker, Khan wanted Hutch, and Doug wanted Ekwonu. I've posted this a few times on this board. It all makes sense. With that said, I believe what they say about a calabrative approach to the draft. If it comes down to Walker and Hutch they would likely take into account on who the guy coaching him wants, Mike Caldwell!

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(09-03-2023, 12:35 PM)TheDogCatcher Wrote:

(09-03-2023, 12:11 PM)NYC4jags Wrote: None of that tells reveals anything about Baalke's opinion on Walker vs other picks available there. 

Baalke's clear deference to the coaching staff when talking about the process of making the Walker pick (post draft) plus Caldwell's blatant giddiness in the post draft interview he gave paint a pretty obvious picture for me. 

Baalke didn't want to put his stamp on it and Caldwell couldn't contain himself.

 If I had more time I could dig up several more articles on this topic predraft. Walker and Baalke are joined at the hip, no matter who else was on board. 

I already put Caldwell just a notch above Wash/Bradley. Now I might have to reassess, particularly if he keeps playing Walker outside most snaps.

I do think Walker is who Baake wanted but I think they also took the guy Caldwell wanted.  It would go against everything they have said if they went with Walker and Caldwell wanted Hutch.  Not to mention the owner wanted Hutch as well.  Hopefully Walker has a Pro Bowl type season this year

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(09-03-2023, 12:03 PM)NYC4jags Wrote:

(09-03-2023, 11:49 AM)SeldomRite Wrote: You think a defensive coach was the one pounding the table  for a major project player that could torpedo his chances at moving on to a head coaching role?

Yes

Caldwell was 100% in on Walker and I'd wager his vote pushed them that way. Caldwell was over the moon about that pick. 

Obviously - all of this stuff is speculation - but Baalke's pressers and interviews lay out some tea leaves that are pretty easy to read.

Agreed, I think the guy coaching them was the tie breaker

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