Packers receive A grade for Devonte Wyatt pick in first round
The Green Bay Packers might not have added a wide receiver on the opening night of the 2022 NFL Draft, but they sure did make their defense better.
After drafting linebacker Quay Walker at No. 22 overall, they then added his Georgia teammate, defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt, at No. 28.
Wyatt is one of the best defensive linemen in the class and can start from Day 1 in Green Bay’s defense.
. DT. Green Bay Packers. DEVONTE WYATT. A
The Packers love to draft great athletes in the first round, and they’ve done it again. Wyatt earned a Relative Athletic Score of 9.56 out of 10.
Wyatt will help Green Bay’s defense on all three downs.
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah had him 23rd in his prospect rankings, writing that “Wyatt has tremendous upside and could emerge as the top interior lineman in this class.”
Wyatt was Pro Football Focus’ top-ranked defensive tackle, ahead of teammate Jordan Davis.
How long have we all hoped the Packers would get Kenny Clark some help along the defensive line? He’s a Pro Bowler but can’t do it alone.
Well, general manager Brian Gutekunst has finally provided that help, first by signing free-agent Jarran Reed, and now by drafting Wyatt in the first round.
Wyatt is not only a strong run defender but will also offer plenty of interior pass rush. And with Clark often receiving double teams, Wyatt could dominate from day one in this defense.
In the first round, the Packers have strengthened their defense in a big way, and that could be crucial in January.
Yes, this team needs to find some wide receiver help. But the draft is far from over. Green Bay owns two picks in the second round.
With the top pass-catchers already off the board before the Packers picked, Gutekunst made the smart choice to stick to his board and improve the defense.
Wyatt can be an instant starter and contributor for the Packers.