2022 NFL draft scouting report: Georgia LB Quay Walker

Georgia LB Quay Walker

6-foot-4
241 kilos

Yahoo Sports activities’ 2022 NFL draft grade

5.84 — potential second-rounder; starter potential

TL;DR scouting report

Lengthy, athletic “Mike” linebacker whose third-down skill give him an opportunity to be a strong to superb starter in time

The thin

A 4-star Rivals recruit (No. 38 nationally) within the Class of 2018, Walker selected the Bulldogs over Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee and different colleges. He noticed motion in all 14 video games in 2018, making six tackles and named co-Particular Groups Newcomer of the 12 months. In 2019, Walker performed in 13 of 14 video games, making 23 tackles (3.5 for losses) and a couple of.5 sacks. He began two of his 10 video games in 2020, amassing 43 tackles (two for losses) and one sack. Walker grew to become a full-time starter in 2021, with 67 tackles (5.5 for losses), 1.5 sacks, three passes defended and one fumble restoration. He needed to miss the Senior Bowl with damage.

Upside

• Good size — 6-4 with 32 5/8-inch arms

• Superb athletic profile — most glorious testing numbers at NFL mix

• Gentle on his toes and able to pounce

• Lateral quickness is a plus — good twitch to get into the motion quick

• Shocking vary to work sideline to sideline

• “Sluggish to move, quick to go” whereas shuffling down the road

• Patrols beneath zones properly — good peripheral imaginative and prescient and response expertise

• Can man up tight ends in protection — shut down Bama’s Cameron Latu, SC’s Jaheim Bell

• Very dependable tackler — wraps up and rarely whiffs, even in area

• Hitting power is spectacular — some knockback energy on tape

• Takes on blocks willingly and has proven skill to shed

• Learn his keys higher in 2021 and has proven extra consolation with every year

• Finest soccer is likely to be in entrance of him

• Excessive-school defensive finish who gives third-down rush skill

• Blew up just a few operating backs in go professional

• In depth special-teams expertise — greater than 500 profession snaps

• Quiet, businesslike persona

Draw back

• Smaller fingers (9 1/4 inches) make it harder to tackle NFL blocks

• Disappointing vertical soar quantity (32 inches) extra befitting of offensive lineman

• Higher physique may use a bit extra energy

• Lean playmaking resumé — 11 TFLs, 5 sacks, zero INTs, one FR in 52 video games (1,181 snaps)

• Could be a tick sluggish finding ball with misdirection

• Instincts stay considerably undeveloped — comparatively new to LB

• Nonetheless overruns some performs (though improved on this space)

• Takes some false steps that may be cleaned up

• Nonetheless studying methods to maximize his hand utilization

• Surrounded by elite expertise — harder to judge

• Did not begin till last season — greater than half his faculty snaps got here in 2021

• Needed to miss Senior Bowl with rib damage

Story continues

Finest-suited vacation spot

Walker may not be pegged for speedy beginning responsibility, however he has starter potential — and will even turn out to be extra of an instinctive playmaker on the subsequent degree in time. He can play inside or as a “Sam” linebacker, providing good third-down worth as a rusher or in protection. Walker additionally initiatives to be a high quality particular teamer from the soar.

Do you know

Quay’s full title is Jaquavian Jy’Quese Walker.

Participant comp

Jamin Davis

Anticipated draft vary

Day 2