2022 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Quay Walker





  • Quay Walker, 6-3/241

  • Linebacker

  • Georgia


  • Quay Walker Scouting Report
    By Charlie Campbell

    Strengths:
  • Instinctive
  • Disciplined
  • Reads keys well
  • Maintains gap integrity
  • Forceful talker
  • Quick linebacker; flies around the field
  • Burst to close
  • Ability to redirect
  • Can break down in space
  • Natural in space
  • Serious athletic ability
  • Solid run defender
  • Can go sideline-to-sideline
  • Decent in zone coverage
  • Good spy linebacker for mobile quarterbacks
  • Natural build
  • Has athletic flexibility to be a Mike, Will or Sam
  • Three-down starter potential




  • Weaknesses:
  • Needs to get better at shedding blocks
  • Decent production, but not impressive


  • Summary: The 2021 Georgia defense was loaded with NFL talent, and Walker was arguably the program’s most consistent non-pass-rushing linebacker. Walker first received significant playing time in 2020 fter two years as a backup. The junior then recorded 43 tackles and one sack. Walker was better in 2021, recording 63 tackles, 1.5 sacks and two passes defended. Like the rest of the Georgia defenders, Walker has an excellent combination of size, speed, and athleticism. That was only reinforced with an excellent workout at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine. Walker showed that he has a lot of athletic upside to develop for the next level.

    Walker is an advanced run defender entering the NFL. He has quality instincts and does a nice job of reading his keys to be in proper position. That understanding of blocking schemes and run designs allows him to flow to the ball to limit backs from getting to the second level. With his size and strength, Walker is capable to work off blocks while also being a consistent and forceful tackler. Walker could stand to improve his ability to shed blocks more consistently. In the NFL, Walker should be an asset as a run defender.



    In pass coverage, Walker’s instincts and discipline are impressive. He never bit on play action or misdirection in college, which was a rare sight, and especially for a linebacker who comes from a conference that still features rushing attacks. Walker is able to read routes and moves well enough to execute zone coverage. He also has the skill set to handle some man-coverage ability on tight ends. With his speed, size and athleticism, Walker should develop into a solid three-down starter.

    Walker has the potential to be a late first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He should not slide out of the Round 2 if he isn’t selected in Round 1.



    Player Comparison: Germaine Pratt. Walker was not an easy player to compare, but he has some similarities to Pratt. Pratt (6-3, 245) is nearly identical in size, and both were well-rounded defenders entering the NFL. Pratt has turned into a solid starter for Cincinnati, and Walker should be a safe pick to be a quality pro as well.






    RELATED LINKS:


    2022 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s


    2022 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings


    2022 NFL Draft Scouting Reports








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