The Green Bay Packers’ overhaul of the inside linebacker position has been full of surprises. It all started with the signing of De’Vondre Campbell last June. An above-average starter in his first five seasons, Campbell played to an All-Pro level in 2021. The Packers then doubled down with the selection of Georgia linebacker Quay Walker with their first pick in the 2022 NFL draft, arming the middle of their defense with athletic playmakers.
Walker will get the chance to be a starter even though he is a rookie playing alongside an All-Pro. Green Bay has already said they will run more two linebacker sets next season, which will be a nice change from their defenses in the past.
“It’s been a while since we’ve been able to stay in certain packages with two inside linebackers and handle everything in run defense and the passing game. This really gives our defense a ton of flexibility,” general manager Brian Gutekunst said following the first round.
Campbell blew us all away with his play last season. He led the team with 146 tackles, while safety Adrian Amos finished second with 93. Assuming Campbell leads the way in tackles again in 2022, that means everyone else will be fighting for second place.
This begs the question: can Walker outtackle the ever-so-reliable Amos? We’ll present the case for each, and you can vote on Twitter.