There are two sides to cornerback Frank Walker, and that is reflected by the nickname given to him by Ravens defensive backs coach Mark Carrier.
The bad "Tank" carries out his tasks ruthlessly, mindlessly and with little regard for how his performance can affect his teammates and the result.
The good "Tank" is more tactical, playing within the schemes drawn up by the coaching staff and being mindful of the intended - or even unintended - consequences of his actions.
Walker, his teammates and his coaches insist that the bad "Tank" is a figure getting smaller and smaller in the rearview mirror as Walker develops.
"That's over," Walker said after practice Thursday at McDaniel College in Westminster. "I'm not like that anymore."
That's not to suggest, however, that Walker has become meeker or isn't willing to engage in skirmishes. This preseason, Walker has gone toe-to-toe with wide receivers Derrick Mason and Kelley Washington.
Washington, who is no stranger to chatter himself, said Walker reminds him of Washington Redskins cornerback and loudmouth Fred Smoot.
"Frank's just a competitive player," Washington said. "He likes to talk a lot, and that's just his game. He's an aggressive player and a guy who's going to be in your face. He's going to let you know that he's there, and he's just got that style to him. He's made some big plays out there. This whole camp, he's been aggressive and he's really challenging our receivers."
Walker's propensity for mixing it up with opponents tends to overshadow his value to the Ravens, who signed the 5-foot-11, 200-pound cornerback to a two-year contract before last season.
With Fabian Washington and Samari Rolle missing time because of bulging discs in their necks and Chris McAlister relegated to injured reserve because of a knee injury, Walker became a significant contributor, playing in 15 games and starting five.
Walker, who tied free safety Ed Reed for the second-most pass breakups (14) on the Ravens behind Washington's 19, might have impressed the coaching staff when he dislocated his left shoulder in the AFC championship game against the Pittsburgh Steelers and refused to sit out the contest.
When Washington and Rolle were healthy, Walker was the defense's nickel back and frequently was assigned to opponents' tight ends - the "tight end killer," secondary coach Chuck Pagano called him.
