5 Reasons Why Quay Walker Makes a Big Jump in Year 2

Quay Walker is embarking on his sophomore campaign for the Green and Yellow after a rookie season that can be best described as reminiscent of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. With the highs being instinctive tackles, ball-hawking forced fumbles, and adequate pass coverage, and the lows being missed assignments, lackluster run defense, and 2 back-breaking ejections in crunch time of key games.

With that being said, what rookie doesn’t make mistakes—let alone at 22 years old? Walker’s greatest strength is something we have not seen at Inside Linebacker for the Packers in recent years—instinctiveness combined with aggressiveness. What takes Walker to the next level? That is an easy one: Keeping that aggression and instinct while practicing discipline. How and why does he make the jump to the next level—here are 5 reasons:

1. Shaking off the rookie cobwebs:

Last year’s tape showed flashes of brilliance and the play-making ability that got Walker on the PFWA All-Rookie team. Conversely, it also highlighted missed tackles and missed assignments—opening gaping running lanes. Yet, this was an area of improvement late in the season for Walker and, with a whole professional offseason behind him, the pieces will come together morphing instinctiveness and skill.

2. A full slate of games:

Although on paper Walker played 17 games—starting 16—he did not get a full complement of snaps due to an injury in week 1 and leaving 2 games prematurely with the aforementioned ejections. Despite this, he made the most of his time on the field with 121 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 7 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovered and returned 63 yards. If we give Walker 17 starts with no extra-curricular activities between snaps, he will *insert hot take here* be the first Packer since Blake Martinez to lead the league in tackles.

3. Talent Around him:

It is no secret that Joe Berry’s defense went into 2022 with lofty expectations that they ultimately did not meet. There are a lot of returning pieces that look to improve this year, but also a few exciting additions that should compliment Walker. For instance, Walker’s college teammate, Devonte Wyatt, did not see the field early in the 2022 (21.6% of snaps) but finished his rookie campaign strong (48% of snaps in the last 3 games) and will slot nicely into the interior d-line as a run stopper next to Kenny Clark. Wyatt and Clark will consume blockers up front, which should allow Walker to step up into gaps and make tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Even more importantly, the Packer defense get elite pass-rusher Rashan Gary back from injury while adding thrilling rookie Lukas Van Ness. Berry is not afraid to rush the passer—both to the team’s benefit and detriment—so prepare to see stunts and exotic blitzes that take the target off the edge, allowing Walker to see some unblocked looks in the interior. In 2022 Walker was solid when he had the opportunity to rush the passer with 1.5 sacks and a 70.3 pass rush rating per Pro Football Focus.

4. Nose for the ball:

They say recovering fumbles can be chalked up to luck, but forcing fumbles takes skill. Walker forced 3 fumbles last year, 2 shy of the league-lead, showing that he can be a gamechanger. Although that nose for the ball has not produced any interceptions, not to be forgotten was Walker’s 7 pass breakups and 70.8 PFF coverage grade. In other words, Walker is due for an interception or 2 this coming season with his proximity to the ball and instinctiveness as something will eventually give.

5. Learning from Mistakes:

AKA channeling all aggression and energy pre-whistle. Rather than being concerned with what the other team or personnel are doing, Walker will be focused on getting himself and his teammates into position for the next play, according to Packers inside linebackers coach Kirk Olivadotti. Making the same mistake twice in the NFL is often not forgiven, but Walker will take advantage of his opportunity and most definitely look to avoid a third.

In conclusion, look for Quay Walker to be a standout on this young Packer defense in 2023. In professional sports you must have a short memory to be able to thrive at the highest level and shrug off mistakes. Will Quay Walker internalize his rookie season, make proper changes, and seize his opportunity?