Analyst Names Packers Devonte Wyatt a 2024 Breakout Candidate

Devonte Wyatt, Packers
Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Green Bay Packers defense is going to look different under Jeff Hafley in 2024 compared to Joe Barry. One of the players excited about the change is defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt.

Devonte Wyatt believes that Hafley’s new system will enable him to focus on one thing instead of multiple, with an emphasis on attacking. That should lead to another leap in production after taking a step forward in 2023.

The first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Georiga made strides in his sophomore season. He saw his snap count more than double compared to his rookie season and he made the most of it.

In 17 games, with five starts, Devonte Wyatt lived in the opponent’s backfield. He recorded 5.5 sacks, six tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hits and 16 total pressures.

Given the changes Hafley is making to the scheme, with an increased role on deck for Deovnte Wyatt, those numbers should jump up again. That, in part, is why Zach Kruse of Packers Wire has chosen the young defensive tackle as the team’s breakout candidate for the 2024 season.

“The 2022 first-round pick had 5.5 sacks during his second season in 2023, but he failed to finish too many sack opportunities and missed too many tackles overall. Can he become a better finisher in 2024? 

In 2023, Wyatt had 48 pressures but also 15 missed tackles. His disruption numbers could explode in a new scheme in 2024. Jeff Hafley’s 4-3 defensive front will allow Wyatt and others to be more aggressive and stay in attack mode. 

Don’t be surprised if Wyatt’s first step quickness makes him a terror in the new defensive front. With better finishing, Wyatt could reach 10 or more sacks,” Kruse wrote.

A 4-3 front also means more playing time for the former Bulldog. He will be part of a rotation with Kenny Clark and Karl Brooks depending on the situation the Packers’ defense is facing.

Devonte Wyatt is a great fit for the defensive scheme that the Packers will be deploying in 2024. He will be able to use his strengths more, such as his quickness as Kruse noted, to his advantage in a 4-3 front.

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