The Green Bay Packers have several young promising players. Most people likely first think of the rising stars on the offensive side of the ball. It is time to add Quay Walker to that conversation. After recent coaching changes to the defensive staff, the Packers young linebacker is the most intriguing player. Walker’s sheer athleticism, speed, and strength is eye popping. Walker is far from a finished product. The Packers must prioritize Walker’s development and Anthony Campanile is the man for the job. Campanile is the key piece in the Packers plan to maximize Walker’s unlimited potential.
Jeff Hafley hired former Miami Dolphins Linebacker Coach to fulfill the same responsibility in Green Bay. Many around the NFL consider Campanile to be a promising young coach in the NFL. Anthony Campanile has worked under some of the game’s top defensive minds like Jim Harbaugh, Greg Schiano, Brian Flores, and the previously mentioned Vic Fangio. Vic Fangio, who left Miami to be the new Philadelphia Eagles DC, wanted Campanile to join him. Campanile was a candidate for the New York Giants open Defensive Coordinator position back in January. He will now lead the charge in the reshaping of the Packers linebacker room. First order of business, Quay Walker.
Quay Walker Displayed Growth in 2023
Packers Linebacker Quay Walker will need to build on his improved second year. He demonstrated an increased level of maturity and growth this past season. Walker was ejected twice in his rookie season. He credited his newfound approach of mediation as a key reason for his more levelheaded behavior.
Along with his improved maturity level, the Packers saw an improvement in his play on the field. He registered 118 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 1 INT, which he returned for a touchdown. Walker possesses an athletic ability and a skill set that most NFL linebackers lack. Just think back to his sack in Minnesota in Week 17. Walker bit on the hard count and showed blitz. The Vikings QB Jaren Hall recognized it but Walker still sacked Hall. This type of sack is what the Packers hope Walker can bring to the table week in and week out.
One of the more underrated offseason questions, is how will Walker adjust, and hopefully thrive in Hafley’s 4-3 scheme? The key ingredient is Coach Anthony Campanile. Campanile is a well known motivator. He is famous for the Dolphins Turnover Cake and his speech on the Hard Knocks TV show.
Campanile’s Protégé
Campanile played a vital role in Dolphins LB Jerome Baker’s development. Campanile arrived in Miami in 2020. Baker totaled 382 tackles and 18 sacks over the past four seasons. Campanile played a part in the decision to move Baker outside in the 4-3 scheme. Campanile will attempt to develop Walker in a similar fashion.
Quay Walker will most likely play the weakside LB in Hafley’s scheme which will allow him to play more freely and roam the field. This potential move will create opportunities at the line of scrimmage for Walker. The Packers front four will take on most of the blocks creating space for Walker to make plays. Walker’s speed will allow him to cover more ground. Packer fans ought to be awfully excited about the potential Walker brings to the table. It is only a matter of time to see if Campanile can mold Walker into the star linebacker that the Packers hope he can be.
Packer fans hope the Walker and Campanile player coach relationship will end up being similar to the Clay Matthews and the Kevin Greene player coach dynamic. Greene was critical in Matthews development. He was a massive reason for Clay’s successful career. Quay Walker oozes with potential. Campanile must unleash it in order for Walker to reach stardom. Packer fans will cross their fingers and hope Walker will one day produce another Super Bowl changing turnover.
