If the new-look Las Vegas Raiders plan to replicate the Patriots in how the team builds, look for them to address their trenches early and often in the draft.
The Patriots have been known for building up the middle of their defense, drafting big defensive tackles like Vince Wilfork, Richard Seymour and most recently, Christian Barmore. Could the Raiders do the same in the 2022 NFL Draft? That seems very possible.
In a recent article by Jordan Reid of ESPN, he named one player that every team should keep an eye on during the 2022 NFL Combine. For the Raiders, that was none other than Georgia defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt. Here is what Reid had to say about the potential first-round pick entering the week:
“In need of help along the interior defensive line, Wyatt was one of the unsung heroes of the vaunted Georgia defense. Since the season ended, his arrow has continued to point up. With a strong combine showing, he could be a top-20 pick.”
Wyatt was one of the biggest winners at the Senior Bowl in Mobile as he was nearly unlockable. He won just about every one-on-one matchup with his quickness and power.
While he might not have the overall production that you would want from a top-25 pick at defensive tackle, it’s understandable considering the overwhelming amount of talent Georgia had on their defense. However, he did total 17 quarterback hurries on just 263 pass-rush snaps this season, according to PFF.
If Wyatt can have a strong week at the NFL Combine, he should establish himself as a first-round pick and possibly an option for the Raiders at pick No. 22. If the Raiders did pick him in Round 1, they would suddenly have one of the best pass rush units in the NFL with Maxx Crosby, Yannick Ngakoue and Wyatt.
