Denver Broncos Land Georgia LB Quay Walker in PFF’s Two-Round Mock Draft

If the Denver Broncos nonetheless had a first-round choose, burning a top-32 draft selection on linebacker needs to be met with skepticism given the present economics of the place. Nonetheless, at choose 64, the Broncos are within the excellent vary to contemplate drafting a linebacker if one they covet falls.

In a latest two-round mock from Professional Soccer Focus’ Anthony Treash, the Broncos just do that, deciding on one of the vital intriguing linebackers in the complete draft class from the national-champion Georgia Bulldogs’ protection — no, not Nakobe Dean, however his linebacker operating mate Quay Walker.

Walker is so good at wrapping defenders up along with his close to 80-inch wingspan. All through his collegiate profession, he missed simply seven tackles on 138 makes an attempt.

The Georgia product’s size and total bodily profile gave him a bonus, however Walker’  play power was generally uncovered, and he was nonetheless extra of a reactor than playmaker. It is a good guess for the linebacker-needy Broncos to make.

The Broncos additionally chosen Walker in one other latest two-round mock draft, this time by The Athletic‘s Nate Tice. Denver can be ecstatic to get the rangy Walker at this spot. 

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The Broncos have added some good items on the defensive facet this offseason, and Walker would fill a place of want they nonetheless have. He’s an excellent athlete with size who can pursue the ball from sideline to sideline. He additionally has intriguing upside as a go defender.

Whereas Nakobe Dean acquired the lion’s share of the eye this previous season for Georgia’s protection, it can in all chance be Walker that’s the first Georgia off-ball linebacker chosen within the 2022 draft. 

Not solely does Walker possess the size (96th percentile wingspan) and athleticism groups will salivate over on the place over his teammate, however he additionally was tasked to play in house greater than Dean at Georgia logging 134 slot protection reps the final two years, doubling Dean’s 64 slot reps.

The linebacker place has grow to be devalued within the fashionable NFL. Whereas groups nonetheless needs to be in search of nice gamers on the place and each spot on the roster, the linebacker place in at the moment’s league has grow to be an space the place good organizations bide their time in spherical one and choose from the remaining expertise on Day 2 and Day 3 within the NFL draft.

As was not too long ago laid out by Mile Excessive Huddle‘s Emmett Smith, and confirmed throughout Broncos’ GM George Paton’s pre-draft presser, it’s a ‘house’ league at the moment, and whereas groups need lengthy and fluid gamers on the place, crucial factor is processing and instincts with athletic traits coming second. Maybe prioritizing athleticism over intelligence and intangibles is a purpose that no place has busted greater than the first-round linebacker in latest draft historical past.

The Broncos don’t essentially want a linebacker at choose 64 given the present worth and abundance of discovering starting-caliber gamers on the place within the NFL, however Walker has the traits to be way more than merely beginning high quality. It shouldn’t shock anybody if Quay winds up a first-round choose when it’s all stated and completed.

Thus, touchdown him at choose 64 no matter positional worth is one thing Broncos Nation ought to get enthusiastic about if this actuality involves fruition later this week.

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