Receiver Christian Watson isn’t the only Green Bay Packers rookie situated as a betting favorite for one of the major season awards. According to Tipico Sportsbook, first-round pick Quay Walker has the fourth-best odds to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year during the 2022 season.
Walker, the 21st overall pick, has +750 odds. He is tied with Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton at +750 and trails only Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (+500), New York Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (+550) and Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Travon Walker (+700) at Tipico.
Walker isn’t a pass-rusher, but the Packers linebacker is in a terrific situation for a rookie. If he wins a starting job, he’ll get a chance to play next to All-Pro De’Vondre Campbell and behind a talented defensive line for an ascending overall defense. There should be an awesome opportunity for Walker to produce huge tackle numbers during his first professional season.
He’ll get noticed nationally if he gobbles up tackles for one of the NFL’s elite defenses in 2022.
A pass-rusher has won Defensive Rookie of the Year each of the last three seasons. The last true off-ball linebacker to win the award was Darius Leonard in 2018. That season, Leonard led the NFL in tackles (163) and also produced 7.0 sacks, four forced fumbles and two interceptions. Walker will need to fill up the stat sheet and create a bunch of game-changing plays to be in contention to win Rookie of the Year.
Don’t forget about Devonte Wyatt in this conversation. He has +3000 odds at Tipico, so betting markets aren’t high on his instant impact potential. But Wyatt is physically ready to play and has the quickness and overall athleticism to be a highly disruptive player from an interior defensive line position.
The possibility of significant contributions from talented rookies is just one branch of what should be a highly fascinating 2022 season in Green Bay.
[lawrence-related id=81190,80933,80872]
[listicle id=80919]