Note: The NFL Draft begins April 28 and the Green Bay Packers have the 22nd and 28th pick in the first round. Between now and then, I’ll examine 25 players the Packers could select with either of those picks.
Today, we look at Georgia defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt.
DEVONTE WYATT, DT, GEORGIA
THE SKINNY
Wyatt was a four-year contributor for some terrific defenses at Georgia. And while other Bulldog defenders drew the headlines, Wyatt had a solid career, then ran the 40-yard dash in a blazing 4.77 seconds at the NFL Combine. That’s one of the top times on record by a defensive lineman.
Wyatt began his career at Hutchinson Community College, then transferred to Georgia in 2018. Wyatt was primarily a back-up his first two years with the Bulldogs, moved into the starting lineup as a junior and had a breakout senior season.
In 2021, Wyatt had 39 tackles, seven for loss with 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in 14 starts. He was a first-team all-SEC selection and helped lead Georgia to the national championship.
MEASURABLES
Height: 6-3
Weight: 304
Bench press: —
40-yard dash: 4.77
Vertical jump: 29”
Broad jump: 9’9”
Arms: 32 5/8”
Hands: 9 7/8”
SCOUTING REPORT
Wyatt is an extremely athletic, disruptive force up front. He has the quickness and burst to penetrate gaps and win the edges inside.
He has outstanding balance, rare speed and changes directions extremely well. His first step quickness and endless motor are unique.
Wyatt’s power is just so-so, though, and he can be moved in the run game. His length is below average and he needs to develop more pass rush moves.
Overall, though, Wyatt’s versatility make him a candidate to play anywhere across the defensive line. He could play anywhere from 0-technique (face to face with the center) to a 6-technique (outside the tackles).
PACKERS’ PREDICAMENT
Green Bay has an elite nose tackle in Kenny Clark. For years, though, Clark hasn’t had top notch help.
Dean Lowry is a solid player coming off a year in which he had a career-best 5.0 sacks. The rest of the group includes veteran Jarran Reed, second-year man T.J. Slaton and undrafted Jack Heflin.
Green Bay’s secondary and linebacking units could rank among the best in football. If the Packers added another dominant piece up front, their defense could be special.
THEY SAID IT
NFL scout Daniel Jeremiah on Wyatt’s Senior Bowl: “He showed how dynamic and explosive he is, particularly in the one-on-one pass-rush drills. His combination of quickness and power was on display.”
Wyatt said: “If I was writing about myself, I’d be like ‘this guy’s amazing,’” Wyatt said. “If that was me, I’d definitely write, ‘this guy, he’s got great personality. He can move, and he’s definitely going to be a great player in the NFL.’ ”
ESPN’s Mel Kiper on Wyatt: “(Wyatt) had a great workout at the combine, and he impressed impressed NFL scouts at the Senior Bowl. He had only five sacks in four seasons, but I think he could put up better numbers in the right pro scheme.”
