2022 NFL Draft: Grading Packers’ No. 28 pick of Devonte Wyatt

The first pick for the Green Bay Packers in the 2022 NFL Draft was met with mixed emotions. But they nailed it with Devonte Wyatt at No. 28.

Despite being mostly overshadowed by his star-studded cast at Georgia, Devonte Wyatt absolutely showed out at the NFL Combine and the 2022 Senior Bowl. Where he had the highest win rate of any defensive tackle in one-on-one scenarios.

At 6-foot-3, 307 pounds, he may not be as intimidating of a force as some of his teammates (most notably the 6-foot-6, 340-pound behemoth in Jordan Davis). But he does have the size, speed, and athleticism to line up anywhere across the defensive line.

What’s even more impressive is that he still finished the 2021 college football regular season with 39 tackles, the most among all defensive linemen on a top-ranked Georgia Bulldog defense. To go along with two forced fumbles, seven tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks.

All of which was good enough to earn him a spot on the Coaches’ All-SEC first team, and the AP All-SEC second team.

It’s also worth noting that Devonte Wyatt held one of the highest overall player grades of any athlete in the entire 2022 NFL Draft at 89.9, via Pro Football Focus.

After adding depth to the core of linebackers at pick No. 22 with Quay Walker. It was pivotal that the Green Bay Packers beefed up their defensive line at some point in the draft. Especially with just Kenny Clark left to man the middle of the defensive line.

While they probably could have waited until round two or three to do so. When a stud with the potential and elite athletic traits of Devonte Wyatt is still on the board at pick No. 28, you jump on it immediately.

Another option here would have been to go with one of the speedy young receivers in Christian Watson or Skyy Moore. Although, it wouldn’t be an NFL Draft if the Green Bay Packers chose not to go offense in round one.

Grade: A-