Jaguars could target LB Quay Walker in 2nd round of 2022 NFL Draft

Whether it’s Travon Walker or Aidan Hutchinson, there’s a good chance the Jacksonville Jaguars will take a pass rusher with the first overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. However, it’s let’s certain what they plan to do with their second-round pick, the 33rd overall. One possibility is Georgia linebacker Quay Walker. Dog Kyed of Pro Football Focus recently put together a list of prospects that could sneak in the the first round of this year’s selection meeting and Walker was among the ones that made the cut.

Kyed describes the former Bulldog as a “well-balanced” player that “graded evenly in run defense, pass rush and coverage” adds that the Jags are a team to watch if he falls to the second round.

"At 6-foot-4, 241 pounds, Walker has ideal size for an off-ball linebacker and tested well with a 4.52-second 40-yard dash and 6.89-second 3-cone drill. He also played on the line of scrimmage both in coverage and as a pass rusher. If Walker doesn’t get taken in the first round, then the Jaguars are a team to watch at the top of the second."

A two-year starter at Georgia, Walker can drop in coverage and plays the run well. He tracks the ball well and positions himself to make plays. Last season, he had 65 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, and three passes defensed. On the other hand, he doesn’t have elite speed and needs to improve his hand usage when rushing the passer. Ian Cummings of Pro Football Network believes that Walker needs to improve as an edge rusher and is a bit of a projection. However, he thinks “he can be an Anthony Barr-type of player for a defense“.

Quay Walker gives the Jaguars another option in the 2nd round.

The Jaguars waived Dylan Moses Monday evening. An undrafted rookie in 2021, he never played a snaps in Jacksonville, so his departure isn’t particuarly worrisome. Having said that, the team’s brass needs to bolster their depth at linebacker. Foyesade Oluokun is slated to start at one spot but the Jags need someone to line up next to him.

Shaquille Quarterman and Chappelle Ruselle will be in line to play next to Oluokun but the Jaguars should and will probably add another linebacker in the draft and they could be in a prime position to take Walker at No. 33. The team’s brass could also take a wide receiver or an interior offensive lineman in the second round but Walker could be a realistic option, especially if he’s available, as Kyed said.

The Jaguars have made important changes to their offense this offseason but they haven’t neglected their defense and have also allocated several resources to that said of the ball. In fact, it wouldn’t be shocking to see them use their first two draft picks on defensive players. One of them could be Walker.