Tag: Quay Walker

Packers excited about playing Quay Walker and De’Vondre Campbell together at LB

For the first time in years, the Green Bay Packers have two talented inside linebackers capable of staying on the field in all situations.

For the first time in years, the Green Bay Packers have two talented inside linebackers capable of staying on the field and anchoring the defense in all situations.

General manager Brian Gutekunst used one of his first-round picks on Thursday night on Georgia’s Quay Walker, who will team with All-Pro De’Vondre Campbell to give the Packers one of the best linebacker duos in football.

Gutekunst thinks adding Walker could fundamentally change how the Packers approach playing defense personnel-wise.

“It’s been a while since we’ve been able to stay in certain packages with two inside ‘backers and handle everything in run defense and the passing game. This really gives our defense a ton of flexibility,” Gutekunst said Thursday night.

Walker was a 15-game starter for Georgia’s historic defense last year. His size and athleticism give him a chance to be an immediate, full-time starter next to Campbell, a potential dream scenario for Joe Barry.

“Every defensive coordinator would love to have two guys that can really run and do the things that the guys that we have can do now, with Quay and Dre,” Gutekunst said. “There’s an ability now for us to stay in base and nickel in certain situations that maybe we haven’t had.”

Gutekunst highlighted the growing value in having two inside linebackers who can handle all three downs and never come off the field. For years, the Packers have been forced to play with extra defensive backs on the field to make up for talent deficiencies at linebacker. With Campbell signed to a $50 million deal and Walker now a first-round pick, the talent is in place.

“Having two interchangeable pieces there just gives our defense so much flexibility to stay in a certain personnel grouping. That was certainly attractive,” Gutekunst said. “You see in the league sometimes, there are certain defenses that don’t have to get out of certain personnel packages and it makes it really tough on offenses. His range and speed and explosiveness as a tackler just wasn’t something we thought we could pass up.”

The athleticism was a big plus for Walker, who is almost 6-4 and weighs 241 pounds. His Relative Athletic Score was in the 96th percentile for linebackers entering the NFL.

The Packers love his combination of size, athleticism and mental makeup.

“He’s big, long and great speed. He’s a playmaker for a national champion team, and a great defense. He just has all the traits, not only as a player, but then mentally and instinctually that we’re looking for,” Gutekunst said.

Walker’s movement ability should make him a disruptive player against the run, and he has the length and speed to clog passing lanes in the middle of the field.

Gutekunst thinks Walker is actually a similar player to Campbell, who signed in Green Bay as an unheralded free agent last May and then produced an All-Pro season. The two have similar movement ability, size and length.

“Quay is going to benefit from learning from Dre,” Gutekunst said. “There’s a lot of similar skill sets. He’s going to learn a lot from him.”

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What draft experts said about new Packers LB Quay Walker

What a few top draft analysts said about Georgia LB Quay Walker, the Packers’ first-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers invested a first-round pick on an inside linebacker, taking Georgia’s Quay Walker at No. 22 overall in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft on Thursday night.

The Packers think they are getting a three-down linebacker who moves and plays like De’Vondre Campbell, an All-Pro in 2021 who will be Walker’s new sidekick in Green Bay.

Want to learn more about Walker, a 15-game starter for Georgia in 2021 who helped create one of the best defenses in college football history? Here’s what several prominent draft analysts said about Walker during the pre-draft process:

Dane Brugler, The Athletic (draft guide): “A one-year starter at Georgia, Walker played the “Money” linebacker position in former defensive coordinator Dan Lanning’s 3-4 base scheme. After playing outside linebacker and defensive end in high school, he moved inside when he arrived in Athens and struggled initially, but he showed improvement each season and was a key member of Georgia’s 2021 championship-winning defense. With his lateral twitch and movement skills, Walker has outstanding mirroring skills vs. the run and uses his long arms to punch himself off blocks or lasso ball carriers out of his reach. Although he doesn’t have the statistical resume of a playmaker, he has a high batting average as a tackler, and his traits and trajectory suggest his best football is ahead of him. Overall, Walker is still developing his instincts, especially in coverage, but he aces the eye test with his exceptional combination of size, length and athleticism to dominate vs. the run. He has the potential to be a four-down impact linebacker in the NFL.”

Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com: “Walker is an enormous off-ball linebacker (6-4, 241) with a nice blend of speed and physicality. In coverage, he is fluid and plenty fast enough to match up with tight ends and running backs. In zone coverage, he doesn’t have great anticipation, but once he diagnoses what’s happening, he closes quickly. When he rushes off the edge, he doesn’t have much of a plan — but his speed/effort is outstanding. He is a violent run defender; he attacks blockers, thuds off them and makes plays. He has exceptional burst and range on plays to the perimeter. Overall, Walker is a size/speed, run-and-hit linebacker with his best football still ahead of him.”

Lance Zierlein, 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.”

Mike Renner, Pro Football Focus (draft guide): “Walker is one of the best run-and-hit linebackers in the class. Give him the freedom to play fast, and he’ll excel. That’s because he’s both a speedy 240 pounds and one of the best tacklers in the class, having missed only seven times on 138 career attempts.”

Bleacher Report Scouting Department: “In 2021 especially, Walker was Georgia’s coverage backer. They often aligned him to the passing strength and put him on the field in favor of either Nakobe Dean or Channing Tindall on passing downs whenever possible. Though only an average athlete in space, Walker has an excellent understanding for zone coverage. He knows how to re-route players into different zone defenders, and he knows exactly where he needs to flow to after passing off routes. Walker seldom gave up air around pass-catchers in coverage and consistently triggered quickly to play the ball or make a tackle. Walker is a competent run defender as well. Like all Georgia defenders, Walker has a nasty demeanor towards contact and is willing to get scrappy in traffic. His strength wavers at times, but he always finds himself near the action, thanks in part to comfortable movement skills in tight spaces and reliable run game diagnoses. He also shows a full toolbox for being able to deconstruct or avoid blocks, even if his physical profile makes it tough to capitalize on all the time. The flip side is that Walker’s average speed and clunky redirection can get him caught in space a bit too often, which could become more of an issue in the pros. Walker has the high-floor run defense traits and zone coverage chops to stick around for a long time, either at MIKE or WILL. He clearly gets how to play the position and has the aggressive mindset teams should love. Walker’s average athletic profile may hold him back from reaching Pro Bowl caliber play, but it is tough to imagine Walker being anything less than a good backup, and he may well end up as a solid starter.”

The Draft Network: “Walker is an uber athletic and rangy linebacker. His impact is felt in the run game, in coverage, and pressuring the quarterback. Prior to 2021, Walker did not start a game until the 2020 season. His lack of starting experience leaves his FBI and processing ability open for growth.”

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Packers double dip into Georgia’s star-studded defense during first round of 2022 draft

The Packers drafted Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt, a pair of Georgia defensive stars, in the first round of the 2022 draft.

The last three first-round picks made by Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst all hailed from one of the most celebrated defenses in college football history.

After taking Georgia cornerback Eric Stokes at No. 29 overall last year, Gutekunst and the Packers went back to the well and double-dipped on Bulldogs, selecting linebacker Quay Walker at No. 22 overall and defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt at No. 28 overall in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft.

Walker (6-3, 241) and Wyatt (6-2, 304) are both elite athletes who played a lot of football in Athens and thrived for Georgia’s star-studded defense during the 2021 season.

Walker was on the field for 52 games over his collegiate career, including 15 starts last season. He tested like one of the most athletic linebackers ever, running the 40-yard dash in 4.52 seconds and completing the short shuttle in 4.32 seconds and three-cone drill in 6.89 seconds. His Relative Athletic Score is 9.66 out of 10.0.

Wyatt played 49 games for Georgia, including 14 last season. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.77 seconds (1.60-second 10-yard split), covered 9-3 in the broad jump and finished the three-cone in 7.45 seconds at over 300 pounds. His Relative Athletic Score is 9.56 out of 10.0.

A record five players from Georgia’s defense went in the first round on Thursday night.

The Packers will insert both Bulldogs into Joe Barry’s defensive front and hope the young rookies can help turn the group into a Super Bowl-worthy unit. Walker, who starred next to Nakobe Dean, will be expected to be a Day 1 starter next to All-Pro De’Vondre Campbell at inside linebacker in the base defense and most subpackages. Wyatt is a three-down lineman who can contain the run and penetrate as a pass-rusher. He’ll immediately get a chance to play snaps as a rotational piece next to Kenny Clark and Dean Lowry with the idea of him becoming a starter in the three-man front.

Both picks helped break draft trends for Gutekunst. Walker is an inside linebacker, which isn’t considered a premium position and hasn’t been picked in the first round by the Packers since 2005. Wyatt is 24 years old, breaking a four-year, five-player trend of Gutekunst taking prospects 22 or younger in the first round.

The Packers didn’t get a receiver or a pass-catcher in the first round, but the run on receivers came early, so Gutekunst stayed patient and used his two first-rounders to further solidify his defensive front. There will be opportunities to get pass-catchers on Day 2, especially with two picks in the second round.

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Every UGA player taken in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft

The Bulldogs cash in big in Las Vegas for the first round of the 2022 NFL draft.

After months of suspense surrounding the 2022 NFL draft, the first-round picks are finally in, and the Georgia Bulldogs were the big winners in Las Vegas.

Travon Walker, a 6-foot-five, 275-pound defensive end, was chosen by the Jacksonville Jaguars as the first-overall pick of the draft. Walker’s selection made him the 5th UGA player to be taken as the No. 1 pick, and he became the first defensive player in school history to have that honor.

However, the night was just getting started for the Dawgs. By the time the 32nd name was called, the 2018 first-round draft record was shattered. Five players heard their names called on Thursday night, and Georgia became the first school to ever have five defensive players drafted in the first round.

Considering all of the talent that is still on the board, there will likely be more Dawgs chosen in the draft days to come.

Green Bay Packers select Georgia LB Quay Walker with the 22nd pick. Grade: B

The Green Bay Packers have selected Georgia LB Quay Walker with the 22nd pick. Grade: B

With the 22nd pick in the 2022 NFL draft, the Green Bay Packers select Georgia LB Quay Walker.

GRADE: B.

There’s no doubt the Packers were looking at a receiver here after trading Davante Adams to the Raiders, but the value wasn’t there after an early run at the position, so Green Bay wisely chooses to upgrade their linebacker corps. Walker, who can blitz, cover, and play off-ball, should be an excellent complement to De’Vondre Campbell, who really defined that defense in 2021.

Mark Schofield’s scouting report: 

Height: 6’4″ (95th) Weight: 241 (68th)
40-Yard Dash: 4.52 seconds (90th)
Bench Press: N/A
Vertical Jump: 31 inches (23rd)
Broad Jump: 10’2″ (77th)
3-Cone Drill: N/A
20-Yard Shuttle: N/A

Bio: Quay Walker attended Crisp County High School in Cordele, Georgia, and was a four-star recruit coming out of high school. As a junior in 2017, he notched 109 tackles and eight sacks, and that led to his initial decision to play for Nick Saban at Alabama. But in February of 2018, he announced he had changed his mind, and decided to stay in-state and play for Kirby Smart at Georgia.

Walker played in all 14 games as a true freshman, largely in a reserve role. He took on more snaps as a sophomore, and finished the 2019 season with 23 tackles and 2.5 sacks. During the 2020 campaign, Walker recorded 43 tackles and a sack.

Last year Walker was part of one of the more impressive college defenses in recent history, and had his most productive year on campus. He recorded 65 tackles, including 5.5 for a loss, and 1.5 sacks on the season.

Stat to Know: Rivalry games might be his thing. Walker’s most productive game in college came this past year against Florida, where he notched 13 total tackles.

Strengths: Walker can impact the game sideline-to-sideline, is explosive when attacking downfield or pressuring the passer, and uses that athletic ability to avoid blocks whether attacking downhill or playing over the top of trash in a crowded box.

Walker also looks very comfortable playing in space. He would often align in an overhang role in 3×1 or even 4×1 situations, and showed great feel for those moments. On those occasions, you also saw that athleticism as he flowed to the football, avoided blockers along the way, and had the closing speed to track down the ball-carrier.

Walker also is active in the pre-snap phase, and his film is filled with examples of him helping align teammates, calling out formations and checks, and helping the other ten on the field get into the right call. Both he and Dean shined in this aspect of the position. This play against Michigan is a prime example of what he brings to the table from the mental perspective. You can see him active pre-snap, calling things out, and then the awareness in underneath zone coverage:

Weaknesses: Still, coverage is a bit of a mixed bag with Walker. He plays with active hands and can disrupt both throwing lanes and at the catch point. Walker shows adequate feel for zone match coverages, with the awareness to carry or collide based on the offensive formation and concept, yet he could still improve in this area. He is also aggressive in man coverage situations, and will bite on double-moves or even an initial juke from a back or tight end.

He might also be an example of “game fast” and not “track fast.” His straight-line speed was not impressive at the Combine, but his awareness and feel for the position gives him a head-start on the field. Will that continue at the next level?

Conclusion: Walker is getting a lot of buzz as the draft approaches. As recently as March he was coming off the board in the second and third round of most mock drafts. Now? Walker is inside the first round, often coming off the board at 21 to the New England Patriots. You can see this trend thanks to the highly informative MockDraftDatabase:

His feel and awareness, coupled with everyone rewatching the Georgia defense to see Travon Walker, Jordan Davis, Nakobe Dean, Devonte Wyatt and everyone else might have people taking a second look. At a floor, Walker looks like a solid NFL linebacker.

Comparison: I see some shades of Bobby Okereke to his game.

Green Bay Packers select Georgia LB Quay Walker with 22nd overall pick in 2022 NFL draft

The Packers selected Georgia LB Quay Walker with the 22nd overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers selected Georgia linebacker Quay Walker with the 22nd overall pick in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft.

Walker fits Brian Gutekunst’s prototype in the first round. He’s 21 years old and an elite athlete (Relative Athletic Score of 9.66).

At 6-3 and 241 pounds, Walker ran the 40-yard dash in 4.52 seconds, covered 10-2 in the broad jump and completed the three-cone drill in 6.89 seconds. He also started 15 games for one of the best defenses in college football history last season.

Walker played in 52 games with 17 starts for Georgia. He tallied 139 tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks and three pass breakups.

Walker will team with All-Pro De’Vondre Campbell and potentially give the Packers an elite inside linebacker duo.

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Packers get WR Treylon Burks, LB Quay Walker in Daniel Jeremiah’s final 2022 mock draft

The Packers took Arkansas WR Treylon Burks and Georgia LB Quay Walker in Daniel Jeremiah’s final 2022 NFL mock draft for NFL Network.

A review and breakdown of predictions for the Green Bay Packers in final 2022 mock drafts from a few of the most prominent analysts in the business:

The mock draft: Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network

The picks: WR Treylon Burks at 22, LB Quay Walker at 28

The reasoning

On Burks: “Maybe this is the year Aaron Rodgers finally gets his first-round wideout. Burks has the size and run-after-catch skills they have always coveted in Green Bay.”

On Walker: “Walker could go much earlier than 28th overall on Thursday night. Defensive coaches are in love with his explosiveness and length.”

Our breakdown: Burks didn’t test out like an elite athlete and has a somewhat terrifying boom-or-bust component to his profile, but there’s no denying that he’d bring an intriguing skill set to Matt LaFleur’s offense. He plays fast and big and could be a dangerous weapon on manufactured touches early in his career while he develops into a more well-rounded pro receiver. Walker, an inside linebacker, would be a bit of a first-round surprise for Green Bay, but he’s a highly athletic 21-year-old who helped anchor one of the best defenses in college football history, so the idea can’t be discounted. Walker and De’Vondre Campbell could immediately become an elite duo for Joe Barry’s defense. It’s funny; Burks fills the bigger need here and feels like the more likely first-round pick for the Packers, but Walker better fits Brian Gutekunst’s ideal profile for a pick in the first round (elite athlete, young). This pairing for the Packers is probably unlikely.

The player info

Burks

Height: 6-2
Weight: 225
40-yard dash: 4.45
Vertical leap: 33.0″
Broad jump: 10-2
Three-cone: 7.28
Short shuttle: DNP
Bench press: DNP
RAS: 5.76

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Walker

Height: 6-3
Weight: 241
40-yard dash: 4.52
Vertical leap: 32.0″
Broad jump: 10-2
Three-cone: DNP
Short shuttle: DNP
Bench press: DNP
RAS: 9.66

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One linebacker for the Eagles in every round of the 2022 NFL Draft

Looking at One linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles in every round of the 2022 NFL Draft

As Philadelphia gets set for a whirlwind 2022 NFL draft night, fans can only hope that GM Howie Roseman has his eyes on a hybrid linebacker.

The Eagles haven’t drafted a linebacker in the first round since the late 70s, but 2022 could provide the ultimate opportunity for Howie Roseman to finally land a game-changer in the first or second round.

Regardless of what round Philadelphia strikes, there will be plenty of big-time linebackers on the board for the Eagles to target.

FILM ROOM: Quay Walker, the other Georgia linebacker climbing up draft boards

Touchdown Wire’s Laurie Fitzpatrick pulls the Quay Walker film and breaks down why the Georgia linebacker is a first-round talent.

Right now, there are two linebackers projected to go in the first round in the upcoming 2022 NFL Draft. Devin Lloyd from Utah, and Nakobe Dean from Georgia. Dean’s dominance was evident on film, but with his size in question, many scouts are looking at another linebacker from Georgia, Quay Walker.

Since declaring for the NFL Draft, Walker has slowly crept up the rankings, but after his performance at the NFL Combine, his skillset piqued many NFL teams. Not only does Walker have the skillset to be a starter in the NFL, but he has the ideal measurables as well. He stands a hair below 6-foot-4, with a 6-foot-8 wingspan and weighing in at 240 pounds. His frame paired with his 4.52 forty time made heads turn.

Walker is an instinctive linebacker when in the trenches, a ferocious tackler in space and he can shed blocks with ease. Let’s go to the film to see why teams are starting to consider Walker as a first-round pick!

Podcast: 2022 Jaguars Wire 2.0 mock draft

Our second #Jaguars mock draft is out and it was brought to you by @TDJaguarsPod!

Excitement is at a high right now for football fans as the 2022 NFL Draft is less than a week away. That’s the case for some fans of the Jacksonville Jaguars, too, as the Cardiac Cats have the top pick of the whole event.

With mock drafts being produced at an all-time high, we decided to join the party by making Episode 8 of “Touchdown Jaguars” a mock draft episode. Jags Wire contributor Phil Smith and I did a seven-round mock where we made all 12 selections for the Jags and addressed several holes on the team. We even took a deep dive in the top-4 rounds, where the mock produced four new starters for the Jags (two on offense and two on defense).

We also discussed the report on the Jags looking to name Ethan Waugh their assistant general manager and discussed the news of when the Jags’ full schedule will be announced.

To listen to the full episode, hit play below:

 

“Touchdown Jaguars!” will be published weekly, giving Jags Wire readers a new go-to podcast to hear the latest in news, rumors, and more. To stay up to date, subscribe via Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and feel free to rate and comment.