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Penn State signed Walker from North Point High School in Maryland (where he was coached by former Florida and NFL OT Phil Trautwein) as a four-star recruit. He also had 11 sacks on defense as a senior but played as a reserve offensive lineman in four games before taking a redshirt in 2018. Walker stepped in to start all 13 games at left tackle the following year and then garnered honorable mention All-Big Ten Conference honors the following two seasons playing on the blindside (nine starts in 2020, 10 in 2021, missing the end of the '21 season due to injury). -- by Chad Reuter
Analysis
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Draft Projection
Round 3
NFL Comparison
Dion Dawkins
Overview
Walker possesses enticing power and measurables but has issues that could be challenging to correct if he stays at tackle. Ohio State defenders were able to burn up his outside edge, which creates concern about his pass pro range, but it can be hard to beat his anchor with pure power. He has issues playing beyond his base, creating chronic over-extension that will be exploited by skilled NFL rush talent. He's capable as a run blocker and should keep getting better with more hand work. Walker projects as a right tackle on the next level but might move inside to guard if his range and balance in pass sets aren't up to par.
Strengths
  • Displayed ability for quick and vertical sets.
  • Stout core withstands a bull rush.
  • Fires hands through defender's pads.
  • Extends and presses rusher past the arc.
  • Controlled inside power step for firmer post.
  • Better hand placement will bolster drive blocking.
  • Power to shove and clear debris from the lane.
  • Able to hold his ground in base blocks versus power.
  • Adequate adjustments in space.
Weaknesses
  • Might not have enough range to play left tackle.
  • Base can get too wide in pass sets.
  • Weight sits on his outside foot in pass slides.
  • Reaches and leans rather than maintaining flat-back posture.
  • Opens door wide for a variety of inside counters.
  • Lacks twitch fitting into run block.
  • Hands need to be faster and more accurate.
  • Needs to improve positioning after contact.

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@Henry posted:

That's the thing that concerns me.  His knee injury sure seems to be lingering.

But if it's a serious concern, why waste the pick to get Watson? Even if you like your first round, stay put, take Pierce and Petit-Frere or Abraham Lucas for a guy you're more sure can come in and compete for a starting spot outside right away. Then they have a couple more picks for some better depth at edge/safety.

Has an injury concern, but knowing the Packers it's probably nothing that concerns them long-term. Did have some off-field problems but was named a team captain in 2021.

*********************

Former big recruit who showcases his athletic chops on film often. Ugly wins pop more than expected but he has invaluable recovery skills and legitimate NFL OT length. If he learns to keep the gate closed longer this can be a steal for Green Bay. (Chris Trapasso)

I have to admit, this one made me laugh.

AFC scout: “He is supremely gifted but has zero intestinal fortitude. Lazy. He is an eternal f---up. He’s got no confidence and he’s got no heart. He’s a mental midget. But he’s going top 100.”

https://www.golongtd.com/p/wha...bout-the-packers?s=r

Maybe not quite the eloquence of  calling him a shitbird, but it's up there.

Last edited by Herschel
@Herschel posted:

I have to admit, this one made me laugh.

AFC scout: “He is supremely gifted but has zero intestinal fortitude. Lazy. He is an eternal f---up. He’s got no confidence and he’s got no heart. He’s a mental midget. But he’s going top 100.”

https://www.golongtd.com/p/wha...bout-the-packers?s=r

Maybe not quite the eloquence of  calling him a shitbird, but it's up there.

He will probably be the one who starts at Right tackle for the next 10 years.

One thing I have learned about Scouts opinions, is most must be members here at Times 4. Their opinons are all over the map. From that same article you are quoting from McGinn, these are two different scouts opinion on Zach Tom

Scout 1-AFC scout: “Center is the first thing I thought of. Here’s an undersized guy playing left tackle. .... Not a great worker. Not awesome football character. Not a bad kid off the field but for center, you want a dude, a guy that’s smart, a leader, an excellent worker. He didn’t have those things but physically, yes.”

Scout 2-NFC scout: “Quiet kid, not super vocal, works hard, consistent at practice every day, lead by example guy. He’s a fundamentally sound player who relies on consistent technique. Made a seamless transition to left tackle. Has adequate strength at the point of attack and marginal in-line power to reestablish the line of scrimmage

So does he work hard or doesnt he? Is he a leader or isnt he?  Two different opinion.

Lets let them play a couple of years before we bury them.

Like everyone else here I enjoy the draft and I enjoy the cheerful optimism and the cutting comments- about this guy is a bust bad fit etc; because they are like fortune tellers at a carnival they are paid to talk but so few actually analyze what the plan may be!  Somewhat like the Russian's plan to amass a huge army and slam int Ukraine and totally destroy the small helpless nation!  I didn't see a single analyst probe what the intent of the Packers plan might be only what they perceived it should be! 

  When I saw the Quay Walker pick, my 1st thought was not,  holy crap no WR but a view of how they perceived their route to the Super Bowl. I thought of them trying to emulate the great Raven defense of a dozen years ago.  The ability to play a light box and still control the run would be huge and now with Jaire, Stokes and Douglass 3 guys who can actually cover someone.  Then with the pick of Wyatt I became very sure of this idea.  We will see how it plays out (BTW should GB sign OBJ he will be more valuable than any rookie WR in this draft) but of course no one views the whole picture -they take the 5 blind guys feeling the elephant approach and being confused what they have!

The scouts say what they think they must to get their points across. If they don’t want their name associated with a guy, they’re going to call it as they see it, because too many endorsements, even implicit, of failed picks will get them fired. The one guy clearly thought Walker was a punk that didn’t deserve to sniff the field. These are young men who can possibly be influenced to change, and some scouts see the same guy differently, so I guess we will find out soon enough what we’ve got.

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