The Green Bay Packers made a surprise move by selecting Georgia linebacker Quay Walker with their first pick in the 2022 NFL draft. It had nothing to do with the player but instead the fact that this organization had not drafted an off-ball linebacker in the first round since AJ Hawk in 2006. Now Walker’s selection has everyone excited about what this defense will look like when led by one of the best linebacking corps in the NFL.
Walker is expected to start right away alongside De’Vondre Campbell, who, coming off an All-Pro season, signed a five-year $50 million contract this offseason. Campbell’s long and lucrative deal also factored into the surprise around Walker’s selection, however, Green Bay has a plan to get the most out of their two studly linebackers.
Naturally, the expectation is for first-round picks to play a good amount in year one. That is a fair expectation for Walker, who should replace Krys Barnes’ 527 snaps on defense last season. Quite honestly, it would be surprising if he did not exceed Barnes’ 2021 snap count.
