GREEN BAY – By the third time they played the Green Bay Packers defense last season, Chicago Bears Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams found the hole.
There were signs throughout the season Quay Walker remained vulnerable in coverage, an issue that plagued him in his career but was subtler early in his fourth NFL season. Those signs were easy to ignore, because what Walker did well as a middle linebacker, he did really well. He was mostly a force in the run game, controlling the box better than ever before while retaining sideline-to-sideline range. His ability to shoot gaps tilted the field for the Packers, disrupting drives. Mix in his blitz pressures, and there is plenty of film from last season that would indicate an All-Pro linebacker.
He simply couldn’t cover with the consistency required at his position. For all of Walker’s dominance making plays in front of him, he lacked spatial awareness behind him. When the Philadelphia Eagles traveled to Lambeau Field, Walker didn’t track tight end Dallas Goedert deep enough in middle zone and allowed a 22-yard catch. On third-and-7, Walker watched Eagles running back Saquon Barkley leak into the left flat, but he didn’t follow. Jalen Hurts’ dump off became a 41-yard catch.
The Eagles found the end zone one play later, their only touchdown in what became a 10-7 win.
“Probably the most disappointing play of the game,” defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley said, “and I say that because I really thought our guys played well. And I truly mean that. I give them a ton of credit. It was third down, and we had a pressure called. Clearly, we didn’t coach it well enough. We didn’t execute the pressure. We got exactly what we wanted. The way the slide went, we should have blitzed the ‘backer. I’m getting into a little bit of detail. We just misexecuted the play.
“What’s disappointing about that play, if we did execute and we coached it better, we got exactly what we wanted. We’re off the field. That next play doesn’t exist, and they don’t score a touchdown.”
A week later, Walker stayed stationary on a stop route against New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson. Fellow linebacker Edgerrin Cooper stood at Walker’s immediate left, covering the route on his side. Two linebackers on one tight end, Giants receiver Isaiah Hodgins bent a dig route behind Walker, responsible for covering the middle. Hodgins was open for a 20-yard catch.
The middle was open for business if creative coaches and talented quarterbacks wanted to target the area. The Bears had their chances in the first two games this season. On third-and-goal in the fourth quarter at Lambeau, Johnson called a clever out route for Colston Loveland, sneaking the tight end through traffic on the goal line. Walker didn’t see him and failed to follow, allowing an open 1-yard touchdown. In their rematch two weeks later, Walker was alone in single coverage on a shallow crossing route against Olamide Zaccheaus, who pulled away from him for a 27-yard catch. Whether it was Johnson or Williams, the Bears failed to continuously pick on Walker in both games.
They must have remembered those plays as the Bears prepared their game plan for the NFC wild-card game a few weeks later. Because Johnson called pass concepts that aggressively targeted the middle, Williams routinely delivered, and the Bears bullied Walker in coverage. Once the faucet was on, it didn’t turn off. Walker allowed three catches of at least 20 yards, a fourth that gained more than 15.
Finally, preserving a 27-16 lead with 4 minutes left in the fourth quarter, Zaccheaus ran a shallow cross on second-and-goal from the 8-yard line. Walker watched him cross in front, not picking him up in coverage, as Williams fired to his open receiver for an easy touchdown. Walker turned to linebacker Isaiah McDuffie after the play wondering where was the help, but McDuffie had picked up Bears running back Kyle Monangai out of the backfield.
“It just comes down to paying attention to details,” Walker said in front of his locker in Chicago, “focusing and locking in, being of one accord. There were multiple times with coverages on the back end we’re just not on the same page. There’s one person calling this, another person playing this, and it led to bite us.”
The Packers offense sputtered in the second half at Chicago, but there was no more impactful reason for their season-ending loss than Walker’s coverage. Which is a shame. Because there was plenty Walker did well last season. He just didn’t cover at the necessary level, and middle linebackers can’t hide in coverage.
Entering free agency, the Packers must weigh all those factors – the strengths, the weaknesses – in determining how to prioritize the need to re-sign Walker.
Edgerrin Cooper
Speed, speed and more speed. In second season, former 2nd-round pick and first linebacker drafted in 2024 has range to make plays all over field. Needs to make more splash plays to become elite, but constant activity on second level set tone for defense. After dealing with injuries in rookie season, played 1,089 snaps in 16 games. Second on defense behind Xavier McKinney (1,113 snaps). Only absence was meaningless Week 18 game in Minnesota. Huge jump in playing time, almost doubling his 551 snaps in 2024.
Finished with 22 run stuffs, 7 tackles for loss. Fewer TFLs than 13 as a rookie, but almost double his 13 run stuffs. Crashes hard from second level against run and checkdowns. Had 5 pass stuffs. Shot backside gap on third-and-2 in Detroit, helping McDuffie on third-and-2 TFL against Jahmyr Gibbs. Made fourth-and-1 TFL in Denver, reaching fullback Adam Prentice in backfield after shooting around pile off edge. Still misses too many tackles, a problem carried over from rookie season. Led defense with 15 missed tackles in 126 chances. Missed on Lions receiver Jameson Williams’ reverse for potential TFL in opener. Had Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. wrapped up short of marker but didn’t finish on screen, allowing 20-yard catch on third-and-12 conversion. Stiff-armed by Ravens running back Derrick Henry on 30-yard run. Even on missed tackles, activity often disrupted play enough for teammates to arrive. Allowed 12 runs of at least 10 yards, 3 of at least 20. Lost point of attack vs. Vikings fullback C.J. Ham’s lead block on 22-yard run for Jordan Mason. Sealed inside against double team from Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley and center Tyler Linderbaum on 25-yard touchdown run for Henry. Fewer 10+ and 20+ runs allowed than rookie season, strong effort given snap increase. Allowed 5 touchdown runs, only 2 more than 2024. Forced 2 fumbles, recovered 1. Punched ball out of Jalen Hurts’ hands at end of scramble, leading to Keisean Nixon recovery. Recovered fumble Micah Parsons forced on R.J. Harvey in Denver.
Speed is enticing for Will linebacker in 4-3 system, but has Mike tools. Solid in coverage, allowing 4 catches of at least 20 yards. Overran screen against Tracy and sealed outside on perimeter vs. Giants right guard Greg Van Rotten on 20-yard catch. Didn’t track target deep enough on 2 others, but not a consistent problem. Had 1 touchdown catch allowed. Missed call and stopped covering Cardinals tight end Trey McBride when rest of secondary played man coverage on 12-yard score. Five pass breakups. Turned and used speed to close after being beat deep by McBride, preventing touchdown. Blanketed Broncos receiver Marvin Mims Jr. for PBU on fourth-and-3 dig. No interceptions. Dropped potential pick against Aaron Rodgers after undercutting out route against Steelers receiver Calvin Austin III. Not as productive in pass rush as rookie season, though Walker got more usage. Had 7 pressures: 4 hurries, 3 quarterback hits, including half-sack. Split sack with Parsons on Washington’s Jayden Daniels, reaching quarterback on inside twist.
Overall solid play. Will need to make more impact plays to become All-Pro, and should be used more in pass rush, but type of linebacker on which championship defense can be built.
Grade: B
Quay Walker
Drafted 22nd overall in 2022, highest linebacker Packers drafted since A.J. Hawk, because of rare blend of size and speed. Hasn’t always played to those measurables, but showed full athletic package in second season with Hafley’s system. Played 978 snaps in 15 games, counting playoffs. Most snaps in career despite missing 2 games with stinger.
Tremendous range against run, able to cover ground. Quickly crashes line, helping mitigate struggles at point of attack taking on blocks. Had 15 run stuffs and 10 TFLs. Fired into backfield up middle to drop D.J. Moore for 5-yard loss in playoffs. Had 2 pass stuffs. Allowed 8 touchdown runs, 3 vs. Ravens. All 3 scores from Henry came within 3-yard line. All 8 touchdown runs allowed came within 6-yard line. Speed matters less than physicality in close quarters. Allowed 8 runs of at least 10 yards, 3 of at least 20. Two 20+ runs came vs. Ravens, worst run defense performance of season. Late recognizing quarterback draw by Tyler Huntley, allowed 25-yard run after meeting Linderbaum and running back Rasheen Ali on second level. Sealed inside on second level vs. tight end Charlie Kolar, cutting pursuit on Henry’s 30-yard run. Outside Baltimore, run defense was a strength throughout season.
Especially shined in pass rush. Has shown ability to reach quarterbacks on blitz. Recorded 11 pressures: 4 hurries, 7 quarterback hits, including 2.5 sacks. Third straight season with 2.5 sacks. Called for unnecessary roughness penalty in Arizona, attacking high and smacking hands against Jacoby Brissett’s helmet. Undaunted, kept rushing and finished game with 1.5 sacks. Blew up running back Bam Knight on blitz for sack. Beat running back Michael Carter up middle for half-sack. Can’t send him on enough blitzes, because his size and speed present difficult matchups in pass rush, and you don’t want him dropping into coverage.
Allowed 16 catches of at least 15 yards, 7 of at least 20. Often too slow reacting in middle of field when targets flash his area, surprising because speed is strength in run game. Coverage didn’t become problematic until midseason and descended into being borderline unplayable at times down stretch. Bears picked on him relentlessly in playoff game. Allowed pair of 20+ catches and touchdown catch in fourth quarter. Burned on 21-yard deep corner in man coverage against Loveland. Slow picking up Monangai out of backfield on third-and-10 checkdown, allowing 22-yard catch. Too soft on Zaccheaus’ underneath crosser into middle, letting him cross face without resistance on 8-yard score. Beat on 4 touchdown catches, including fourth-and-2 vs. Bengals tight end Tanner Hudson. Turned hips wrong direction on end zone crosser, allowing separation. Missed tackle on Commanders tight end Zach Ertz allowed 20-yard touchdown. Tackling wasn’t an issue overall. Missed only 6 in 134 chances. Had 7 PBUs, 2 in playoff game.
Voted team captain before season and credited with leadership inside locker room. Showed maturity not retaliating while drawing unnecessary roughness penalty on Steelers receiver DK Metcalf, who poked him in face after play. Enters free agency this spring after team did not exercise fifth-year option on former first-round pick. Might be a difficult evaluation for front office.
Grade: C-plus
Isaiah McDuffie
Essentially picked to re-sign over Eric Wilson, who departed in free agency for Minnesota last spring. Inked 2-year, $8 million deal. Wilson signed 1-year, $2.6 million contract two weeks later. Provided good value as run-stopping linebacker, enough that Packers will appreciate having second year on deal. Played 551 snaps 18 games, counting playoffs. Almost 200 fewer snaps than 2024 as role became more specialized.
Scrappy around line. Enjoys contact. Finished with 22 run stuffs, 3 TFLs. Crashed unblocked off edge on fourth-and-1 sneak in Arizona, pulling Brissett backward for no gain. Plugged middle on T.J. Hockenson’s third-and-1 sneak Week 12, dropping him for no gain. Shot middle gap unblocked for third-and-2 TFL on Gibbs in Week 13 at Detroit. Later, assisted Parsons with TFL on fourth-and-3, shooting middle gap unblocked. Allowed 6 runs of at least 10 yards, 1 20+. Blocked inside on second level vs. Vikings center Ryan Kelly, allowing 22-yard carry for Mason. Allowed only 2 touchdown runs. Both came near goal line vs. Giants and Ravens. Missed 6 tackles in 104 chances. Might be hardest hitter on defense. Leveled Hockenson on 5-yard checkdown in Week 12, making third-and-9 stop.
Will never match Cooper or Walker as pass rusher, but has become serviceable. Had 6 pressures: 3 hurries, 3 quarterback hits, including 1 sack. Half-sack cleaning up Parsons’ pressure on fourth-and-3 inside red zone in New York. One week later, split double team up middle vs. Vikings Kelly and running back Aaron Jones on half-sack. Re-signed for run defense, not coverage. With Cooper and Walker healthy, asked much less in coverage than 2024. Allowed 2 catches of at least 15 yards, 1 20+. Lacked speed to track Cole Kmet down sideline Week 14, allowing 26-yard catch on Williams extension. Did not allow a touchdown catch. Intercepted J.J. McCarthy over middle in Week 12, first pick in 5-year career, had 2 PBUs. Shame he lacks foot speed for more coverage duties. Would be ideal Mike linebacker otherwise, but defense against ground game provides important role.
Grade: C
Ty’Ron Hopper
In second season, former third-round pick predominantly played special teams. Just 126 defensive snaps in regular season, playing all 17 games. Finished second with 278 special-teams reps. Most of playing time came in meaningless Week 18 game at Minnesota, taking all 67 defensive snaps. Struggled. Allowed 4 runs of at least 10 yards, 1 of at least 20. Retreated on 11-yard run for Mason, never taking on a block, simply backpedaling out of play. Sealed outside second level vs. left guard Donovan Jackson, allowing Mason 24-yard run. Allowed 1 touchdown run, passive off snap instead of firing on goal line and blocked second level by left tackle Justin Skule on 1-yard score. Missed tackle against McCarthy, stiff-armed on 6-yard scramble. Missed only 1 tackle in 25 chances. Showed some coverage chops in Pittsburgh, stripping 2-point conversion out of tight end Jonnu Smith’s hands in end zone. Despite struggles in Minnesota, played 7 snaps in playoff game vs. Bears. Intercepted Williams on fourth-and-1, dropping back to pick up Kmet and making terrific play on ball. Hard to make any definitive judgments on potential for filling Mike linebacker role next season if Walker isn’t re-signed, given small sample size. Week 18 film did not inspire, but might get shot at job after playing less than 200 defensive snaps in first 2 seasons.
Grade: D-plus
Jamon Johnson
Undrafted rookie opened season on practice squad after signing after draft. Elevated to active game day roster Week 13 in Detroit, playing 11 special-teams reps. All 67 defensive snaps came in Week 18 at Minnesota. Outplayed Hopper. Had 2 run stuffs, 1 pass stuff, running tailback Ty Chandler to sideline on 2-yard checkdown. Allowed 3 10+ runs, 1 20+. Sealed inside on second level vs. tight end Ben Yurosek on Mason’s 24-yard run. Had 1 missed tackle on potential McCarthy sack. Beat Mason on blitz to reach backfield. Had 1 PBU, good reaction over middle vs. Ben Sims to force incompletion. Allowed 1 20+ catch, late picking up tight end Josh Oliver on crosser. Signed future/reserve contract after season. Could be intriguing prospect in camp or wash out.
Grade: Incomplete
Nick Niemann
Signed to active roster after camp to fill special-teams role. Played 130 special-teams reps in 8 games. Only defensive snap came in Chicago, allowing 2-point conversion vs. Loveland on out route. Before Chicago, had not played in a game since Pittsburgh in Week 8 because of pectoral injury. Unrestricted free agent in 2026.
Grade: Incomplete
Kristian Welch
Opened season on practice squad but elevated to active roster Week 9 vs. Carolina. Played 10 special-teams reps, no snaps and waived after game. Re-signed to practice squad, but elevated again to active roster Week 11. Finished with 87 special-teams reps, 2 defensive snaps. Placed on injured reserve Week 17 with ankle injury, ending season.
Grade: Incomplete
This article originally appeared on Packers News: Why Packers’ 2025 evaluation of Quay Walker will be difficult | LB grades
Reporting by Ryan Wood, Green Bay Press-Gazette / Packers News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
