Hours after agreeing to terms with the second of their two first-round picks, defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt, the Packers locked down their other first-rounder.
Wyatt’s ex-Georgia teammate, linebacker Quay Walker, is now under contract, according to NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero (on Twitter). Although the modern-era rookie signing process features far fewer complications than the negotiations before the 2011 CBA, with a slot system now in place, the Packers moved past any complications very early in this process. Walker and Wyatt’s signings coincide with the beginning of the Packers’ rookie minicamp.
Green Bay deviated considerably from a path of not devoting significant resources to its off-ball linebacker spots, selecting Walker 22nd overall a few weeks after giving 2021 free agency flier De’Vondre Campbell a big-ticket deal. Walker and Campbell represent the Packers’ biggest commitment to these two positions in over a decade.
Walker worked as a Bulldogs regular over the past three years, with his most significant contributions coming for the national champions’ dominant 2021 defense — one that saw five of its cogs drafted in the first round. Walker was the third of those Georgia defenders taken. The 6-foot-3 linebacker registered a career-best 65 tackles (5.5 for loss) as a senior last year. Via the fifth-year option that could later be exercised, Walker can be controlled on this rookie deal through 2026.
They have assembled most of the pieces to have a top tier defense under joe Barry. Lots of high end game changing talent.
I wonder if they saved any money by drafting Walker first then Wyatt at the lower spot. I know it all is kinda a scale. Just a curious thought.
Good question..not sure about now, but maybe down the road on 5th year options.
I’m still in shock they drafted an inside LB at all, let alone in the first round.
Luckily that was the only pick that raised eyebrows
I believe Aaron Rogers will have a tough first half until his rookie WR’s get acclimated. No danger of not winning the division. Detroit 6 picks on D & adding multiple receivers, will be their stiffest competition but only means second place & 8 wins. GB still wins 10 games & the division.
Rodgers is in probably the best position he’s been in in Green Bay right now. He’s still got a top 5 offensive line, he’s got a great 1-2 punch with Jones and Dillon behind him, and he’s got the best defense he’s had since Super Bowl 45. I’m anticipating them leaning heavily on the run game and enjoying the investment in the defense while he brings along the receivers slowly with minimal urgency.
Don’t underestimate the value Lazard and now Watkins bring to the run game. Two of the games highest rated run blocking receivers.