3 early and shockingly bold predictions for the Packers in 2023 season

Packers bold prediction No. 2: Quay Walker becomes a Pro Bowler

While being acutely aware that getting into the Pro Bowl can be meaningless — shouts to Tyler Huntley — it would be a massive step forward for second-year linebacker Quay Walker.

Yes, the then-rookie led the Packers with 121 combined tackles while also accruing five tackles for loss, seven pass defenses, 1.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. But when you look at PFF (subscription required), he also graded out as only the 70th-best linebacker in the NFL in the 2022 season out of 81 qualifiers.

And really, a lot of any negative talk about Walker in his rookie campaign and any negative assessments can be boiled down to mental lapses. He wasn’t always sharp, and that’s before you get into his two conduct-related ejections on the season, both of which can only be described as bone-headed.

Throughout the offseason, though, Walker and the Packers coaching staff have been clear that he’s working on his issues and is going to be more focused. That could make all of the difference.

There’s a reason that Walker was drafted in the first round out of Georgia. He’s an elite physical talent who, with development mentally and some added strength, can be one of the best at the position in the NFL. For a Packers team that I think will come out and surprise a lot of people, Walker taking a bit step forward in his consistency while still putting up big stats could ultimately make him a poster child on defense and earn him postseason honors.