Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker has long been criticized for some of the weaknesses in his game. In his first two seasons, he struggled at times to live up to his potential. That continued into the 2024 campaign. But in the last few games, the former first-round pick out of Georgia has stepped up his game. Right now, when the team needs him the most, Quay Walker has been taking his game to another level.
Packers LB Quay Walker Is Taking His Game to Another Level: His First Two Seasons
The Packers selected Walker with the 22nd overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. The Packers were attracted by Walker’s experience at Georgia, and his speed and athleticism.
He became an instant starter and played in all 17 games. Walker forced three fumbles, recorded 1.5 sacks and broke up seven passes in his rookie season. He also recovered a fumble and returned it 63 yards. Walker also led the team with 121 total tackles.
Like most rookies, Walker had a lot to learn. His biggest issue was his inability to react quickly to plays which often caused him to be out of position. Walker made a lot of tackles, but they were often far downfield after the opposing player had already gained several yards.
However, what many fans remembered most were his two ejections from games for improper hits. The first ejection occurred when he shoved a player on the Bills practice squad who was not even dressed for the game. The second game when he shoved a Lions trainer who came onto the field to treat an injured player.
To his credit, Walker took responsibility for his mistakes and vowed not to repeat them. Thus far, he hasn’t.
In his second season, Walker again led the Packers in tackles. He also scored on a 37-yard pick six against the Bears and recorded 2.5 sacks. His issues with reading plays continued, however.
The Start to 2024
Early this season, Walker continued to struggle with the same issues. He was asked to blitz more frequently under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, but more often than not, he was not able to get to the quarterback despite his excellent speed.
Walker still led the Packers in tackles, but he wasn’t making impact plays. Pro Football Focus had him graded near the bottom of all qualified linebackers because of his struggles. Many experts viewed Walker as a disappointment and felt he was not meeting expectations. They felt that Walker was not a good choice at middle linebacker in a 4-3 defense.
He was also asked to call defensive signals and wear the green dot on his helmet to communicate with coaches before the snap. Some felt this was too much for Walker.
Packers LB Quay Walker Is Taking His Game to Another Level: Picking Up His Game
When rookie linebacker Edgerrin Cooper suffered an injury and was held out of the lineup, Walker picked up his game. In the last two games, Walker has four tackles for loss. Suddenly, he was getting past blocks and making impactful plays behind the line of scrimmage. He also recorded a sack and put more pressure on the quarterback.
Hafley has noticed the difference in Walker’s play lately. “I think Quay walker is a prime example where, you guys asked me and I was like, ‘He’s going to be OK,’ and he’s playing his best football,” Hafley told reporters. “I still think he’s going to get even better because I have that high of expectations for him because I think he’s that talented, and you’re starting to see it. And if you guys were able to watch him in practice right now, he’s practicing with a whole different level of confidence. You can hear it, just by how loud he is when he’s communicating, how he’s lining up, how he’s moving around.”
Obviously, the key for the future is that Walker continues to play at the level he has in recent games for the rest of the season. If that becomes his new “normal,” the Packers will benefit from having a pair of fast, elite athletes at linebacker in Walker and Cooper.
The Packers will need a strong performance from Walker if they hope to pull off an upset against the Lions Thursday night. That will be the next big test for Walker and the Packers defense.
Follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers
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