Packers' linebacker considered team's 'worst pick' in past five years

Green Bay, WI – June 27, 2025

The Green Bay Packers have made strides in rebuilding their linebacker corps, transitioning from a unit once reliant on De’Vondre Campbell to a promising group featuring young talent like Edgerrin Cooper and veteran additions like Isaiah Simmons. However, not all investments at the position have panned out as hoped. According to a recent analysis by Bleacher Report, linebacker Quay Walker, the team’s first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has been named the Packers’ worst draft selection over the past five years.

Selected 22nd overall out of Georgia, Walker was heralded for his athleticism, size (6’4”, 241 pounds), and sideline-to-sideline speed, traits that made him a standout in college. The Packers, under general manager Brian Gutekunst, viewed him as a cornerstone for their defense, particularly in the 3-4 scheme favored by then-defensive coordinator Joe Barry. However, Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder argues that Walker’s inconsistent performance and lack of refinement have made him a disappointment relative to his draft pedigree.

“Walker was drafted to be a difference-maker at linebacker, but he’s struggled with discipline and instincts,” Holder wrote. “His athletic gifts are undeniable, but too often, he’s been a liability in coverage and has racked up costly penalties. For a first-round pick, the Packers expected more by Year 3.”

Walker’s tenure has been marked by flashes of brilliance overshadowed by glaring miscues. In 2022, he led all rookie linebackers with 121 tackles but was ejected in two separate games for unsportsmanlike conduct, including shoving a Lions staffer. His 2023 season showed marginal improvement, with 118 tackles and seven passes defended, but Pro Football Focus graded him poorly in coverage (54.3), highlighting his struggles against tight ends and running backs. In 2024, despite a career-high three sacks, Walker’s missed tackle rate (12.4%) ranked among the worst at his position, per Sports Info Solutions.

The decision to decline Walker’s fifth-year option in May 2025, a move driven by its $12.7 million price tag, further underscores the team’s lukewarm confidence in his development. While the Packers’ linebacker depth has improved with Cooper, a 2024 second-round pick who earned All-Rookie honors, and Simmons, a versatile veteran acquired in the offseason, Walker’s role has become less certain.

“Quay has the tools to be great, but he hasn’t put it all together,” an NFC scout told The Athletic. “Green Bay’s new defensive scheme under Jeff Hafley demands smarter, more disciplined play. If he doesn’t adapt, he could be phased out.”

Despite the criticism, Walker’s supporters point to his youth (24 years old) and potential for growth. Head coach Matt LaFleur has praised his work ethic, noting during June minicamp that Walker “is taking steps” in mastering Hafley’s 4-3 system, which emphasizes aggressive run defense. Teammate Edgerrin Cooper echoed this sentiment, telling Packers.com, “Quay’s a dog. He’s learning, and when it clicks, people will see what he’s really about.”

Still, the numbers tell a challenging story. Among 2022 first-round defenders, Walker ranks near the bottom in approximate value (14), per Pro Football Reference, trailing players like Sauce Gardner (28) and Aidan Hutchinson (24). Social media sentiment on X reflects fan frustration, with posts calling Walker “overrated” and questioning why he hasn’t lived up to his draft hype.

As training camp looms, Walker faces a pivotal 2025 season. With Cooper emerging as a starter and Simmons vying for snaps, the former first-rounder must prove he can shed the “bust” label. If he fails to elevate his game, Walker risks becoming a cautionary tale in Green Bay’s otherwise strong draft history. For now, Packers fans are left hoping the Georgia product can channel his raw talent into the consistency the team desperately needs.