Ht – 6’2” Wt – 304 lb Class – SR Age – 23
Career Statistics
2021 Stats – 39 tackles, 7 TFL, 2.5 Sacks, 2 FF, 1 PD (13 Games Played)
Career Stats – 113 tackles, 12 TFL, 5 Sacks, 2 FF, 3 PD (22 Games Played)
Attribute Breakdown
Power – Has a great anchor and fierceness, but he is not a bulldozer or a mauler. He consistently wins at the point of attack to gain leverage, helping him bull-rush through blockers, but don’t mistake that for raw power. Once he isn’t facing blockers, and his hands aren’t on them, he can get pushed around easily.
Pass-Rush Moves – Large array of moves. From a dominant push-pull to flawless spin moves, Wyatt is always throwing new moves at you. He uses great dip moves and extremely active hands to keep driving linemen back. Best of all, he has a killer side-step off the snap, where he acts like a receiver releasing off the line. This move is nearly impossible for bigger and less agile blockers to stay in front of.
Quickness & Agility – Phenomenally quick and agile for his size. His ability to turn his body on a dime is truly remarkable. His bend and balance are elite. He burst off the line like a rocket and is extremely explosive. I think he will test very well at the combine, especially in the 40. His speed for someone 300+ pounds is jaw-dropping.
Technique – A technician to the core. Wyatt has such a large array of moves it’s astounding, and he uses his elite physical tools to introduce nuances into his moves to make him unstoppable. He has great instincts and times his moves perfectly.
Play Recognition – Very aware and understanding player, he clearly has a great feel for the game. He doesn’t react to moving plays, he anticipates their direction and redirects his attacks to get himself to the ball.
Tackling and Pursuit – Not ideal, but not a liability either. He didn’t have many tackles, and he very often lost contain, which is a play-ender for a guy his size.
Motor – Extremely high energy player, he is constantly fighting until the whistle. Wyatt even tracks down plays running away from him, eventually catching up and making the tackle.
Combine – Wyatt’s Combine performance was overshadowed by his teammate Jordan Davis‘s record-breaking performance. Still, he had a phenomenal showing of his own. Running a 4.77 40 at his size is unprecedented. He is an elite athlete in his own right.
Overall
The Georgia defensive line was a terrifying sight for offenses in 2021. They ranked atop the FBS, allowing only 10.2 PPG (per The Football Database). This defense was loaded with early draft selections this year, including four likely first-rounders, with three just along the defensive line. Devonte Wyatt might be the best of the group.
Comparing him to Aaron Donald would be silly, but he does many things that are reminiscent of the All-Timer. His flawless technique and perfect body control are a sight to behold. He isn’t a bully (unlike Donald), but he consistently wins with his technique and his block manipulation. His game is so advanced and nuanced, he seemed like he was a tier above all other CFB D-Linemen, just like Donald in the NFL.
It would shock me if Wyatt isn’t a productive pro, and he projects very favorably as a Day One contributor.
See Devonte Wyatt’s overall ranking among other players on my Big Board.
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