Instant Takeaways from Green Bay Packers Selecting LB Quay Walker

In what I would consider a bit of a surprise, the Green Bay Packers select Georgia LB Quay Walker with the 22nd pick.

Instant takeaways from the Green Bay Packers selection

– The top four WRs in this class all went early, and realistically, they were likely never in striking distance for the Green Bay Packers to make a fairly big jump up the draft board. And remember, when it comes to trading for a player like AJ Brown, even though the Packers had the draft capital, they really didn’t have the ability to extend him. There is already a lot of cap space in future years accounted for, and Green Bay still hasn’t paid Jaire Alexander, Elgton Jenkins, or Rashan Gary.

– After not investing heavily in the LB position over the years, the Packers pay De’Vondre Campbell and select Quay Walker in the first round. I can’t say I saw that coming–especially with two premier edge rushers still on the board.

– With that said, the LB depth behind Campbell was very thin. The Packers would use Campbell as the only LB last season at times, and perhaps this selection goes to show that they did so out of necessity and not by choice.

– Besides being an LB, Walker does fit the Packers’ traditional first-round mold, being just 21 years old and testing incredibly well, with a RAS of 9.66.

– Walker has 949 career snaps, according to PFF ($$), with 450 of them coming in 2021. He recorded 16 pressures, 26 stops and he allowed only 7.2 yards per catch in coverage. He was also a very reliable tackler, missing only 3.9% of his tackle attempts.

– Walker should also provide a boost to the Green Bay Packers’ run defense–which ranked 30th last season in yards per carry allowed.

– Walker and Campbell have the potential to form one of the best LB duos in football. It’s clear that the Green Bay Packers are going to be relying more heavily on their defense than what they have in past seasons.

– It’s also important to note that Walker has 464 career special teams snaps as well. Adding someone with his athletic profile and some experience to the unit will hopefully provide a needed boost.

– Quay Walker’s draft profile from Lance Zierlein of NFL.com:

"“Walker had to wait his turn at Georgia, but he has become a well-schooled, instinctive linebacker ready for the NFL game. He has good size and clear eyes from the second level, with a talent for recognizing play design. He plays disciplined, team-oriented football but is unlikely to become a top-level playmaker as a pro. His chase speed and body control are just average when ranging to tackle or covering in space. Walker is dependable and consistent and projects as a good backup with eventual starter potential at inside linebacker.”"