No one is more excited to have Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt as new members of the Green Bay Packers than defensive coordinator Joe Barry.
“I spring out of bed every single day and sprint to the office knowing they’re gonna be here,” Barry said Tuesday. “This time is invaluable to everybody but specifically young guys like Quay and D-Wyatt who are coming in as rookies and learning a brand-new way of language, a brand-new playbook.”
Barry spent a couple of days getting to know his two first-round picks following the draft but recently saw them in action during rookie minicamp May 6-7. Walker made a strong first impression, flashing his versatility as an off-ball linebacker. Meanwhile, Wyatt displayed impressive strength and speed despite no padded practices.
“It’s great to have all the guys back, but those two specifically, they’re great players that are football guys,” Barry said. “The program they come from, you have to love football to play at the University of Georgia, and you can feel that in them instantly.”
Walker is expected to form an effective tandem alongside De’Vondre Campbell. Together, they will be one of the most athletic inside linebacker duos in the NFL. The Packers were immediately reminded of Campbell when watching Walker in college.
“You watch any Georgia football game last year; it’s hard not to see No. 7 flying around making plays,” Barry said.
While Walker will be learning from an All-Pro in Campbell, Wyatt will be learning from Kenny Clark, whose is a Pro Bowler in his right.
“I’ve told you guys about Kenny Clark and how much I respect him from a consistency level,” Barry said. “He walks in the building every single day, and you know what you’re going to get from Kenny Clark.”
Green Bay will hold Wyatt and Walker to a high standard. That’s the territory that comes with being a first-round pick coming from one of the most dominant college defenses in recent memory. With OTAs just around the corner and training camp set to begin later this summer, Barry is looking forward to working his new pieces into what was already a successful unit last season.
“They look good in green and gold. I’m excited they’re here.”
