Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker is still settling into his role at up-to-date linebacker. However, Walker enjoyed learning Jeff Hafley’s scheme, which he believes is similar to the one he ran as a member of the national champion Georgia Bulldogs.
“It’s a lot of things I did in college, and I think it translates very well for a lot of us,” Walker said. “It fits what we do and more. I thought Hafley did a great job of getting us in the right position.
“I really like it so far.”
Those are encouraging words from one of Green Bay’s most talented defensemen who is aiming to develop into one of the best point guards in the league. The 2022 first-round draft pick comes after back-to-back seasons in which he led the team in receiving. Still, Walker needs to be more consistent and make the most of his opportunities.
Walker recorded a number of interceptions last year that may have changed the perception of his sophomore season. It wasn’t a bad year by any means, but he didn’t make much of his debut campaign, especially in terms of reach.
According to Pro Football Focus, Walker allowed 31 of 46 passes (67.4%) as a first-year starter, which translated into an efficiency of 9.8 yards per reception. Last season, he completed 46 of 54 passes (85.4%) and had an efficiency of 10.8 yards per reception. Fortunately, he narrow his number of missed tackles, reducing his season total from 13 to eight.
While Walker is still unsure what he will be asked to do on defense, Matt LaFleur stated during OTAs that Walker will “most likely” wear a green dot helmet in 2024, meaning he will be the team’s primary defensive communicator. That responsibility previously belonged to veteran De’Vondre Campbell, who was released in March.
In a similar situation to last year on offense, Green Bay still has a lot of room for improvement defensively between now and the start of the regular season. That said, Walker told Packers.com’s Larry McCarren that he thinks they’re in a good place.
“Mr. Larry, I would be lying if I said it wasn’t because, honestly, I was on a championship team and I understand it’s college and this is the NFL, but the chemistry is there. Anytime you have a team that has chemistry , this is a good, good sign.
