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Quay Walker
Player Bio
The Georgia product’s full name is Jaquavian Jy'Quese Walker. He was rated the No. 2 linebacker prospect and top-35 overall recruit nationally out of Crisp County High School. He played in all 14 games as a reserve in 2018 (six tackles), sharing the team's Special Teams Newcomer of the Year Award. Walker got more playing time as a sophomore (23 tackles, 3.5 for loss with 2.5 sacks in 13 appearances) before getting a chance to start twice in 10 contests in 2020 (43 tackles, two for loss with one sack). He started all 15 games for the 2021 national champions, recording 67 tackles, 5.5 for loss with 1.5 sacks, and three pass breakups. -- by Chad Reuter
Overview
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.
Strengths
  • Instinctive, with confident eyes in the box.
  • Plays with lively, ready feet.
  • Quick recognition into response.
  • Mirrors runner's lane choice from his perch.
  • Recognizes blocking scheme and play design.
  • Sees past climbing blockers.
  • Snappy hands to play off blocks quickly.
  • Keeps outside shoulder uncovered.
  • Consistent hustle away from the ball.
  • Reliable, face-up tackler near the line.
Weaknesses
  • Has some tightness in his hips.
  • Upright in second-level movements.
  • Average body control in scrape to the football.
  • Play strength doesn't always match his size.
  • Inconsistent finding the best level to elude block.
  • Gets stuck to blocks that find him.
  • Erratic vision and response in coverage.
  • Will overrun his target in space.

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Last edited by Chongo
Original Post

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From The Ringer:

Long, hard-hitting, and highly athletic middle linebacker; an ascending playmaker whose skill set fits the modern NFL.

SCOUTING REPORT BY DANNY KELLY

Walker has a tall, tapered, and rugged frame with long arms. A former four-star prospect out of Cordele, Georgia, he ranked 31st in the country overall and as the no. 2 outside linebacker in his class, per 247Sports. He was a four-year contributor for the Bulldogs, tallying 139 tackles, 11.0 tackles for a loss, and 5.0 sacks in his career. He notched 67 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks, and three passes defensed for the national champions in 2021.

Walker got a majority of his reps last year at middle linebacker, but also saw snaps on the edge and over the slot. He’s instinctive at the snap, reacting quickly to the play direction. His versatility and dependability stand out. He can drop the hammer against the run; drop back into zone coverage; run with backs, tight ends, or slot receivers in man-to-man looks; or blitz. In zone coverage, he scans the field and flashes the ability to anticipate routes into his area so he can jump into passing lanes. He’s sticky when he plasters to a receiver in man-to-man coverage, showing the reactive athleticism to run step for step with his opponent. Against the run, Walker shows good balance and body control; he doesn’t let blockers push him off his track or seal him away from his gap. He’s a reliable tackler with great range to run and chase and he breaks down in space to make the play. He slices through the line on blitzes and bowls over the running backs filling the hole.

Walker was just a one-year starter for Georgia’s über-talented defense. He’s tall and plays a bit upright at times, leading to him losing leverage when he’s taking on blocks. He is a bit stiff when moving laterally.

WHY HE COULD RISE

Walker is an ascending playmaker with the size, length, and athleticism that teams covet in linebackers; he’s a versatile plug-and-play contributor who brings special teams value.

WHY HE COULD FALL

He’s relatively inexperienced as a one-year starter.

Dan Jeremiah (NFL Network) mocked him to the Packers at #28.  “Walker could go much earlier than 28th overall on Thursday night. Defensive coaches are in love with his explosiveness and length.”

@Herschel posted:

I like him, but still rather shocked they took an ILB in the first round. I was also on the Chenal dream team and thought it would be Tyler Smith, but not complaining.

ILB in the first?!

This was sufficient sub for a DT pick.

People want a top 5 defense...you need athletes to get there. Look at all the best defenses...they have LB that can fucking run and DT that can get pass rush.

We draft Wyatt or Fatty Jones at 28, we suddenly have both.

@Chongo posted:

People want a top 5 defense...you need athletes to get there. Look at all the best defenses...they have LB that can fucking run and DT that can get pass rush.

We draft Wyatt or Fatty Jones at 28, we suddenly have both.

Prophet.   Preach on brother.

@Chongo posted:

Stokes' lateral numbers were pretty bad, tbh.

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