Georgia DT Devonte Wyatt

6-foot-3
304 pounds

Yahoo Sports' 2022 NFL draft grade

6.17 — possible first-rounder; possible immediate starter

TL;DR scouting report

Quick-off-the-snap defensive lineman who put it all together in his final season, projecting as a valuable energy piece and disruptor up front

The skinny

A 3-star Rivals recruit in the Class of 2017, Wyatt flipped from South Carolina to Georgia but was forced to go the junior-college route after not qualifying academically. After one year at Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College, where he totaled 30 tackles (4.5 for losses), three sacks and a blocked kick in 11 games, he recommitted to the Bulldogs. In 2018, Wyatt had 19 tackles (1.5 for losses) in 12 games. In 13 games (one start) in 2019, he collected 30 tackles (1.5 for losses), one sack and one fumble recovery. Wyatt earned a starting role in 2020, totaling 25 tackles (two for losses) and considered coming out early but returned to UGA. In 2021, he started all 14 games and added 39 tackles (seven for losses), 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, one recovery and one blocked field goal. Wyatt attended the Senior Bowl.

Upside

• Brings plus athleticism to the table inside

• Former high-school RB/TE who maintained athletic traits after weight gain

• Really good combine numbers in 40 (4.77, with 10-yard split of 1.6), 3-cone (7.45), broad jump (9-foot-3)

• Extremely quick off the snap — outrageous first-step burst

• Light feet to move laterally and string out plays down the line

• Chased down a few ball carriers from the backside

• Occasionally asked to drop into short zones — good reactionary skills and body control

• Displayed more disruptive qualities in 2021 — two forced fumbles, more consistent pressure

• Wins as a pass rusher with speed and power (or both)

• Has a nice cross-chop rip in his pass-rush bag

• Showed he can turn the corner very well at his size when asked

• Georgia defensive scheme didn't set him up to be a playmaker

• Effective on stunts and twists

• Good pop in his hands — can shock blockers

• Improved steadily throughout Senior Bowl practices and had a productive week

• Will benefit from thinner DT crop this draft

• Regarded as being a good worker, practice performer

Downside

• Likely lacks the length to handle full time duties as a 5-tech end

• Core strength is average for his position

• Occasionally gets feet churning too fast and can stumble

• Not a true gap plugger and forceful run stopper

• Played in a rotation and wasn't counted on for extensive reps — rarely played 40-plus snaps

• Surrounded by all-NFL prospect talent — plenty of single-blocking looks

• Still learning how to defeat combo blocks and disengage better

• Play recognition can improve — must be better and quicker at reading run vs. pass

• Drops his head on contact and can lose sight of the ball

• Will be 24-year old rookie — might not have much more upside

• Background must be vetted following 2020 arrest

Best-suited destination

Predominantly a 5-technique or 4 in Kirby Smart's defense, Wyatt likely will fit better as a 3-technique in more of a gap-shooting system in the NFL. He has the versatility to play up and down the line but likely will do his best work beating guards and centers with quickness.

Did you know

Wyatt and Georgia NT Jordan Davis are close friends, training together for the NFL draft. Wyatt credits the jovial Davis with helping him come out of his shell a bit, personality-wise, and be more comfortable in front of crowds.

Player comp

Javon Hargrave

Expected draft range

Between the 20th and 40th picks