What does Quay Walker need to prove during Las Vegas Raiders’ training camp?

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 11: Quay Walker #7 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates against the Washington Commanders at Lambeau Field on September 11, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images

When Las Vegas Raiders star defensive end Maxx Crosby was asked about the team’s defensive offseason additions at the beginning of training camp , he mentioned one player by name: linebacker Quay Walker.

“It was back in OTAs,” Crosby replied, “but I was out there doing a walkthrough, and I’m getting in a stance, and we’re in the indoor [facility], Quay gave me a call and I just looked back. I looked at him and started just laughing out loud, and I don’t even know why. He’s like, ‘What are you laughing at, bro?’ I’m like, ‘I’ve never seen a linebacker that big. I’ve never played with a linebacker that looks like the size of me.’”

The 6-foot-5, 255-pound defensive lineman was rightfully impressed by the 6-foot-4, 240-pound linebacker’s size. According to MockDraftable , Walker’s measurements at the 2022 NFL Combine are in the 91st, 61st and 84th percentiles when it comes to height, weight and wingspan (nearly 80 inches), respectively, for the position. It’s worth noting that MockDraftable’s database goes back to 1999, when linebackers were heavier in the NFL, and 240-plus-pound second-level defenders are a rare breed in today’s game.

That change is due to the rise of the passing game in the league, shifting the priority to athletic linebackers who can hold up in coverage. Despite what his size might suggest, the Georgia product is also an elite athlete for the position. He tested very well at the combine to earn a 9.63 out of 10 Relative Athletic Score , highlighted by a 4.52-second 40-yard dash (9.65 RAS), 6.89-second three-cone time (9.29) and 10-foot-2 broad jump (8.69).

For good measure, he also showed off plenty of strength during the pre-draft process by hitting 23 reps on the bench press.

Physically, there’s no reason why Walker isn’t a perennial Pro Bowler and/or All-Pro in the NFL. However, heading into his fifth season, the only postseason recognition the four-year veteran has received so far is a mention on the PFWA’s All-Rookie team in 2022.

Walker’s perception around the league does seem to be trending up. He was named an “honorable mention” in Jeremy Fowler of ESPN’s column that polls NFL executives and coaches to rank the top off-ball linebackers, and the quote about the Raiders’ free-agent signing sheds some light on why he hasn’t been a Pro Bowler or All-Pro yet.

“The light finally came on for him last year,” an NFC assistant coach told Fowler. “I thought he diagnosed the run game better than in the past. He has always been fast, long and can hit.”

When diving into his film this offseason, Walker’s instincts have clearly held him back, especially in coverage. He’ll have a great rep on one play where the physical traits mentioned above stand out, but then turn around and have a mental lapse where it looks like he’s thinking too much and hesitates to give up a first down or worse.

For context, Pro Football Focus credited Walker with six forced incompletions during the 2025 regular season, tied for the fourth-most among linebackers. However, PFF also had him on the hook for the second-most receiving touchdowns allowed (five) at the position.

Walker’s instincts against the run are better and have improved over the years, as the quote above notes. But he still had moments of not being in the right spot that need to be cleaned up moving forward to reach his potential.

So, what should the 26-year-old be focusing on during his first training camp in Las Vegas? The mental part of the game/position. Luckily, the former Bulldog will have a familiar face next to him in college teammate Nakobe Dean , who lacks size at 5-foot-11 and 230 pounds but has great instincts.

The former Packer wore the green dot in Green Bay, making him responsible for getting the entire defense lined up correctly. However, in Las Vegas, Dean can take on those duties. That would allow Walker to hone in on his assignment and just play ball, so to speak, rather than having a lot on his plate mentally. In other words, reuniting the 2021 National Champions could help unlock the former first-round pick’s potential.

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: Yahoo Sports. Open at source →