NFL Draft 2022: Final 32-pick Round 1 mock with trades

NFL Draft Pick No. 32: Detroit Lions – Quay Walker, Linebacker, Georgia

The Detroit Lions need help everywhere, and they could take the best player available no matter who it is.

David Ojabo would be worth a flier here despite his Achilles injury, given his stellar talent, but it makes no financial sense to take two EDGEs in the first round if they have to pay two big contracts in a few years. The Lions do need a lot of help at linebacker, though, and Quay Walker has been bolting up draft boards.

Walker is a rangy linebacker who plays well in coverage and as a run defender. He has some underrated pass-rushing abilities as well and can be a three-down starter in the league.

Walker had 65 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks for the season. He’s been a bit lost in the shuffle given how exceptional Georgia’s defense is, and that’s a shame given his strong play. He’s managed to have a good series of workouts leading up to the draft, and teams are really noticing what he can bring to a team.

Additionally, Walker is excellent in coverage and his tackling technique is sound. He has good size at 6-foot-4 and 241 pounds, and he’s an excellent athlete who plays with toughness. He was one of the defensive leaders for the Bulldogs, and he could play multiple roles at linebacker.