Quay Walker was a 4-star recruit coming out of Crisp County High in the 2018 class. According to 247Sports, he was the No. 2 outside linebacker nationally, No. 31 overall prospect, and the No. 6 recruit in Georgia. He helped lead Crisp County to a 9-2 season and the second round of the GHSA Class 3A state playoffs in 2017. USA Today 2017 Georgia All-USA Second-Team defense.

Walker is an uber-athletic and rangy linebacker. His impact is felt in the run game, in coverage, and pressuring the quarterback. Prior to 2021, Walker did not start a game until the 2020 season. His lack of starting experience leaves his FBI and processing ability open for growth.

Ideal Role: WILL linebacker, allowed to run/chase and make plays in space.

Scheme Fit: 4-3 multiple front

FILM EVALUATION

Written by Damian Parson

Games watched: Clemson (2021), Missouri (2021), Tennessee (2021), Arkansas (2021)

Best Game Studied: Tennessee (2021)

Worst Game Studied: Missouri (2021)

Tackling: See Above.

Football IQ/Instincts: Walker’s instincts can be hit or miss. At times, he will diagnose and trigger to the football. Other moments, he processes information a step slow. Increasing meaningful reps at the next level can improve his FBI.

Competitive Toughness: Walker plays with consistent physicality and aggressiveness. He triggers downhill against the run and as a blitzer with a violent temperament. He does not take plays off because of his hot motor.

Pass Coverage Ability: Walker has the height, weight, and athleticism to be a disruptor in coverage. He displays a good change of direction to transition in coverage. He can match routes in the underneath zone. Also, he can man up tight ends and running backs in space. He could use better reaction timing to break on passes or force PBUs.

Run Defending: Walker fills and flows well depending on his role for that play. He can become overly aggressive and over pursue the ball-carrier. He could leverage running gaps better. Playing with better control can increase his production/impact against the run.

Block Deconstruction:See Above.

Lateral Mobility: Walker is a fluid and confident mover in space. He has loose hips to scrape laterally and cover ground across the field. His movement traits allow him to remain in position or regain position on the play-side of the field.

Flexibility: Walker’s loose hips afford him the opportunities to change directions in space. As an edge rusher, he does not display much dip and rushes a bit high. In open field, he gears down well to square up his target before making contact. As he drops into coverage, he sinks his hips well and transitions from dropping to pursuit.

Leadership: See Above.

Versatility: Walker offers positional and alignment versatility. 322 snaps came at linebacker in the box but he has multiple snaps on the defensive line. Also, he is comfortable in space and aligns as a slot corner. His athleticism allows him to move around the defense and impact the game.

SCOUT GRADES

TDN Consensus: 78.70/100 (Third Round Value)

Crabbs Grade: 77.50/100

Marino Grade: 77.00/100

Harris Grade: 80.00/100

Sanchez Grade: 75.00/100

Weissman Grade: 78.00/100

Parson Grade: 80.00/100