With the 22nd overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers selected Georgia LB Quay Walker. What will Walker’s rookie contract look like, and where does he project into the Packers’ current depth chart?
Quay Walker drafted 22nd overall by the Green Bay Packers
Walker becomes the third Georgia defender drafted in the 2022 NFL Draft. While not as widely discussed as his fellow defensive players from Georgia, Walker is a fantastic player in the middle of the field at linebacker.
Walker’s projected rookie contract
Because Walker was the 22nd overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, this is what his projected rookie contract should look like. Contract numbers are from Over the Cap.
- Total Value: $15.6 million
- Signing Bonus: $8.5 million
- 2022 Base Salary: $705,000
- 2022 Cap Number: $2.8 million
Walker’s strengths and areas to improve
Here is a snapshot of what the Packers will be getting with the selection of Walker. For further information, check out Walker’s full scouting report.
Strengths
- Explosive size-speed athlete with great lateral agility.
- Has range and engages blocks with physicality.
- Play strength is very good.
Areas for improvement
- Needs to improve his instincts in coverage.
How does Walker project in the Packers’ depth chart?
While many believed either Nakobe Dean or Devin Lloyd would be the first linebacker taken, Walker is a full-sized linebacker with outstanding athleticism. He’ll fill in beside De’Vondre Campbell, who is one of the best processors in the NFL.
The Packers need wide receiver more than linebacker, but the Packers haven’t drafted a first-round receiver for the past 20 seasons. They could also use another pass rusher and another defensive back. Still, bolstering their linebacking corps is not a surprise.
When do the Packers pick next in the 2022 NFL Draft?
As of the time they drafted Walker, the Packers have these remaining picks in the 2022 NFL Draft.
- Round 1 (Pick 28)
- Round 2 (Pick 53 from Raiders)
- Round 2 (Pick 59)
- Round 3 (Pick 92)
- Round 4 (Pick 132)
- Round 4 (Pick 140*)
- Round 5 (Pick 171)
- Round 7 (Pick 228 from Bears via Texans)
- Round 7 (Pick 249)
- Round 7 (Pick 258*)
*Compensatory picks
For the full results and upcoming draft order, check out our pick-by-pick tracker for the 2022 NFL Draft.