Recently, the depth charts were updated for every team on the NFL’s website. While these still may not be the Week 1 lineups for every team it gives the fans insight into what each team will probably look like. The official depth chart won’t be released for a bit longer. The Packers are set to take on the Vikings, and one rookie may get his chance to start in his debut.
Quay Walker Listed as an Unofficial Starter
There is no doubt Quay Walker is one of the best prospects to come out of the 2022 NFL Draft. However, starting spots are not gifted to anyone. They still need to be earned, so it has never been a sure thing he would start. The Packers have been high on Walker since day 1, and it’s no surprise.
In college, the linebacker dominated for the University of Georgia and led the Bulldogs to a National Championship. Walker had 137 tackles and five sacks in his collegiate career, earning him a spot in the first round of the draft. Walker served as a piece of one of the most dominant defenses in CFB history. During his senior year, the defense allowed 8.8 points per game.
Some have questioned whether or not the Georgia defense is better as a whole than individual parts. It will remain to be seen, but Quay could very well prove it against the Vikings on Sunday. The Packers currently have Walker still listed as a staring inside linebacker, alongside De’Vondre Campbell. Again, the official depth chart won’t be released until sometime before the game, but starting Walker could make perfect sense.
Krys Barnes and Isaiah McDuffie are the listed backups to Walker and Campbell. Currently, Walker has had the most first team reps this preseason, but he could offer something the other linebackers can’t. The Packers have already shown what Campbell, Barnes, and McDuffie all can do against the Vikings. Walker, a rookie, could give a different look for the Packers. His speed and football IQ is a combination not many other players can offer.
But Will He Start?
It is tough to tell who is going to start and who won’t right now. Remember, part of football is trying to fool the other team. Some teams will wait until the very last second to make their depth chart official and others may not be clear on timetables for injuries. For example, Robert Saleh stated three days ago Zach Wilson would possibly start against the Ravens, and then yesterday he stated Flacco will start. Along with that, Wilson will miss up to week 4. Saleh was being a little tricky, and other teams may be doing it with their depth charts.
Quay Walker has every ability to start for the Packers. It really comes down to the camp he has had and what the Packers are looking to do. Walker has been impressive so far and lived up to the hype, but he hasn’t proven it in a game yet. If Walker doesn’t start, the Packers will likely start Krys Barnes, who is a bit more experienced than Walker. It would be surprising if Walker doesn’t start, however, because of how dynamic and intelligent he is.
Follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!