The Packers double-dipped not only on the defensive side of the ball in the first round of the 2022 draft, but on the program they selected both Devonte Wyatt and Quay Walker from. Each of the Georgia products figure to play significant roles on the team’s defense for years to come, but the latter could see a significant role right away during his rookie season. 
Matt Schneidman of The Athletic notes that a lack of depth at inside linebacker could make Walker the “x-factor” of the position group (subscription required). The six-foot-four, 240-pounder took on a larger role in each of his four seasons with the Bulldogs, totalling 65 stops, 5.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks in 2021. Those numbers fall short of the production put up by teammate and fellow inside ‘backer Nakobe Dean, but injury concerns about the latter and perceived athletic upside for Walker helped make him the top selection at the position in April.
Green Bay already had De’Vondre Campbell at the position heading into this season; the 29-year-old enjoyed a career year during his first season with the Packers, earning First-Team All-Pro honors. The team responded this offseason by signing him to a five-year, $50MM deal. As noted by Schneidman, he was joined in spring practices by Walker with the starting members of the defense.
That is in line with previous reporting on Walker’s expected role as a rookie. His skillset both against the run and pass should allow him to remain on the field in a variety of situations, especially with an experienced partner in the middle of the unit in Campbell. Assuming Walker plays a large role right away, that would also represent a notable difference in the immediate expectations for Wyatt; the team’s superior defensive line depth has the latter slated for rotational duties in 2022.
If Walker can succeed early on as a first-teamer, the Packers’ defense could take the step forward many are expecting they could, given the moves made to bolster the unit.
That D is gonna be so nasty
I’ll believe it when I see it. Rodgers has had a total of THREE top 10 defenses in his career.
The talent is there on paper, but you’re right. We need to see it happen. Top tier defense, perhaps a little more run oriented offense and a ST that has to be better (doesn’t it?) might just be the recipe to finally get over the hump.
Why would a quarterback’s past defenses be predictive? Especially when they spent the better part of a decade of Rodgers’ career entrusting their defense to an over the hill Dom Capers.
I think the point that wrigleyhawkeye was making was more in regards to the period of time than it was to Rodgers specifically. Fourteen years is a long time to have only three top ten defenses for a perennial contender like Green Bay.
Packers finished 9th in total defense last year if u didn’t know that, and with the upgrades they’ve made after the draft they’ll be top 10 again
that’s what she said
I’d be a little surprised if Walker starts and plays the majority of snaps right off the bat over Barnes. If he does and continues to improve rather than get exposed to a degree it’ll be huge. Of course if they trade Barnes before opening day the job is obviously his.