2022 NFL Draft: Tampa Bay Buccaneers retool in 7-round mock draft
By Kyle Edmond
Round 1, Pick 27: Devonte Wyatt, DL, Georgia
1. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Georgia. 814. DL. Devonte Wyatt. player
As previously mentioned, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are going to have plenty of spots to fill on this team. What they do at each pick could turn into a “best player available” situation. Considering that Vita Vea is the only key piece on the defensive line set to return at the moment, adding another running partner next to him will be key.
A Second Team All-American by both the Associated Press and CBS and First Team All-SEC (Coaches), Devonte Wyatt has the talent to step into a Ndamukong Suh role in Tampa Bay. At 6-foot-3 315, Wyatt has the ability to play anywhere on this Bucs’ line. For reference, Suh is 6-foot-4 313, so the frame is the right fit for this scheme.
As for Wyatt on the field, the stats speak highly of his potential. Wyatt played over 40 games for the Bulldogs after starting his career at the JUCO level. He worked his way into significant playing time almost immediately at Georgia and his role continued to grow.
During the 2021 season, Wyatt tallied 39 tackles including seven tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. He is a great plug-and-play pick in the backend of the first round, especially for a team like Tampa that will need to add multiple pieces on the defensive line.