Georgia LB Quay Walker
6-foot-4
241 pounds
Yahoo Sports’ 2022 NFL draft grade
5.84 — possible second-rounder; starter potential
TL;DR scouting report
Long, athletic “Mike” linebacker whose third-down ability give him a chance to be a solid to very good starter in time
The skinny
A 4-star Rivals recruit (No. 38 nationally) in the Class of 2018, Walker chose the Bulldogs over Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee and other schools. He saw action in all 14 games in 2018, making six tackles and named co-Special Teams Newcomer of the Year. In 2019, Walker played in 13 of 14 games, making 23 tackles (3.5 for losses) and 2.5 sacks. He started two of his 10 games in 2020, collecting 43 tackles (two for losses) and one sack. Walker became a full-time starter in 2021, with 67 tackles (5.5 for losses), 1.5 sacks, three passes defended and one fumble recovery. He had to miss the Senior Bowl with injury.
Georgia LB Quay Walker (7) celebrates after beating Alabama in the College Football Playoff National Championship. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Upside
Nice length — 6-4 with 32 5/8-inch arms
Very good athletic profile — most excellent testing numbers at NFL combine
Light on his feet and ready to pounce
Lateral quickness is a plus — nice twitch to get into the action fast
Surprising range to work sideline to sideline
“Slow to flow, fast to go” while shuffling down the line
Patrols underneath zones well — good peripheral vision and reaction skills
Can man up tight ends in coverage — shut down Bama’s Cameron Latu, SC’s Jaheim Bell
Very reliable tackler — wraps up and seldom whiffs, even in space
Hitting force is impressive — some knockback power on tape
Takes on blocks willingly and has shown ability to shed
Read his keys better in 2021 and has shown more comfort with each year
Best football might be in front of…
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