The Packers added Georgia linebacker Quay Walker with the 22nd overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. This was their first of two selections in the first round (and the first of 2 Bulldogs selected by the Packers in the 1st round). This is the first time the Green Bay Packers have selected a linebacker in the first round since they selected A.J. Hawk fifth overall in the 2006 NFL Draft. If Walker is good enough to merit a 1st round pick from the Packers, it’s a pretty good sign.
🚨 THE PICK IS IN 🚨
With the 22nd pick in the 2022 #NFLDraft, the #Packers select Georgia LB Quay Walker!
#PackersDraft | @SchneiderCareer pic.twitter.com/7gHJ7XpFZM— Green Bay Packers (@packers) April 29, 2022
Bolstering The LB Corps
Traditionally, the Packers have not valued the inside linebacker position as much as most other teams do. However, the value of an elite inside linebacker was revealed to the Packers last season when De’Vondre Campbell displayed that value to the front office. Krys Barnes showed some improvement last season, but left much to be desired, and the ILB position was one of need for the Packers. Now that the Packers have added Quay Walker with 22nd overall pick, they have a formidable duo at ILB.
Measurables
Profile: 6’4″ – 241 lbs – 32 5/8″ Arms – 9 1/4″ Hands – 4.52 40 Yard Dash – 32″ Vert – 122″ Broad Jump
Unquetionable Production
Walker was the No. 2 linebacker prospect and top-35 overall recruit out of high school. In 2021 Quay started in all 15 games for the Bulldogs. Walker racked up 65 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 3 passes defended, and 1 fumble recovery during that span. For his career, Quay amassed 137 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 3 passes defended, and 1 fumble recovery.
Fit In Green Bay
Joe Barry is notorious for using a light box and choosing to stop the pass first. In order to achieve this task, you need to have down linemen and linebackers that are stout enough to routinely stop the run with nickel and dime packages being more prevalent. Additionally, the linebackers MUST be versatile enough to drop back into coverage when necessary. De’Vondre Campbell has proven to be more than capable of this task, but his fellow linebackers have mostly fallen short. With Quay Walker on the field, I expect Joe Barry to be able to operate his defense out of the nickel even more frequently, and with much greater success. Welcome to Green Bay Quay Walker!
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