The Green Bay Packers made Quay Walker their first pick in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft (#22 overall). He had a fairly decent season for a rookie linebacker. Of course, the two instances in which he initiated contact with opposing personnel were dark spots on his season, and linebackers coach Kirk Olivadotti has been working with Walker this offseason on how to improve his temper.
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Speaking of improvement, despite a solid statistical season as a rookie (121 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, three forced fumbles), Walker has a bit of work to do before he can be considered an elite player at his position. That being said, PFF named him as one of six NFL players who will definitely improve in 2023.
What Green Bay Packers Linebacker Quay Walker Can Do to Improve in 2023
PFF published an article that detailed six NFL players that will most certainly improve in 2023. Joining Walker on this list were Chicago Bears guard Teven Jenkins, Carolina Panthers tackle Ikem Ekwonu, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell, Indianapolis Colts edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo, and Washington Commanders linebacker Jamin Davis.
Of Walker, PFF wrote:
“A few rookie moments where Walker’s emotions flared at the wrong time overshadowed an otherwise impressive first season, as his 91st-percentile 40-yard dash and 88th-percentile three-cone times were on display between the white lines.
“Among 61 rookie off-ball linebackers that logged at least 150 snaps in coverage since 2017, Walker’s 70.8 coverage grade ranked sixth, and his 15.2% forced incompletion rate finished second.
“Walker can stand to improve against the run, where his 90 tackles ranked 20th among off-ball linebackers in 2022, but his 4.98-yard average depth of tackle was seventh-furthest from the line of scrimmage at the position and his 17.9% negatively graded run defense snap rate was also seventh-worst. However, this is a common weak point for young off-ball linebackers, and with another offseason under his belt, Walker could develop into a top player at the position.”
To be certain, pass defense was a major strength in Walker’s game last season. He was targeted by opposing quarterbacks 45 times, and allowed just a 53.3% completion percentage and 63.6 passer rating. However, his run defense left a lot to be desired, as did the entire Packers run defense last season. Part of the reason for this could (definitely) be the scheme of defensive coordinator Joe Barry. Hopefully, he spent the offseason tinkering with his run defensive scheme and will come into camp with a plan that does not make the Packers run defense one of the NFL’s laughing stocks.
As for Walker, he did make the 2022 NFL All-Rookie Team, was second in the NFL in fumble return yards (63) and sixth in forced fumbles (three). He has all the tools necessary to be one of the best linebackers in the league. He, and the coaches, just need to put it all together.
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