The Green Bay Packers selected linebacker Quay Walker with their first pick (22nd overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft. Six picks later, they drafted his college teammate Devonte Wyatt with the 28th overall pick. As might have been predicted, many Packers fans were upset that the team did not take a wide receiver in the first round. (Of course, the Packers selected Christian Watson with the second pick in the second round). However, Chris Simms of NBC Sports reasons that Packers fans should be elated with the pick.
Quay Walker.
He wasn’t the most hyped Georgia LB but he was without a doubt the best one. Top 2 LB in this draft. Speed. Length. Strength. Put in tough positions and thrived.
Given all the WR off the board, this was a great pick for the @packers— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) April 29, 2022
The Strengths and Weaknesses of Quay Walker
According to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, Quay Walker has the following strengths:
- Instinctive, with confident eyes in the box.
- Plays with lively, ready feet.
- Quick recognition into response.
- Mirrors runner’s lane choice from his perch.
- Recognizes blocking scheme and play design.
- Sees past climbing blockers.
- Snappy hands to play off blocks quickly.
- Keeps outside shoulder uncovered.
- Consistent hustle away from the ball.
- Reliable, face-up tackler near the line.
According to Zierlein, Quay Walker also has the following weaknesses:
- Has some tightness in his hips.
- Upright in second-level movements.
- Average body control in scrape to the football.
- Play strength doesn’t always match his size.
- Inconsistent finding the best level to elude block.
- Gets stuck to blocks that find him.
- Erratic vision and response in coverage.
- Will overrun his target in space.
What Impact Will Quay Walker Have as a Rookie?
Packers fans should expect Quay Walker to start at inside linebacker immediately. Along with De’Vondre Campbell, they will form one of the best interior linebacking cores in the NFL. Krys Barnes was adequate (at best) as the second starting middle linebacker. He will still be a great rotational piece, too. However, Quay Walker will take over the starting job and is one of the favorites to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Who are you betting on to win DROY this season? 💪 pic.twitter.com/R4y85itmQQ
— PFF Bet (@PFF_Bet) May 2, 2022
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