The Green Bay Packers defense is in need of a spark — and Devonte Wyatt might be exactly the ignition they’ve been waiting for.
While Wyatt hasn’t exactly become a household name since being drafted in the first round in 2022, his underlying numbers tell a story of a player on the verge of breaking out. Now entering Year 4 — and running with the first-team defense — all signs point to 2025 being his moment.
Under the Radar — But Not for Long
Wyatt has quietly been one of the most productive pass-rushing defensive tackles from his draft class. While he doesn’t have the gaudy sack totals of a Pro Bowler (yet), he leads all 2022 DTs with at least 9 sacks — and his advanced metrics are even more impressive.
Take a look at the numbers:
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2023: 5.5 sacks
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2024: 5.0 sacks (despite missing 3 games)
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Career PFF rankings:
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2023: 6th in pass-rush win rate, 2nd in pass-rush productivity
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2024: 10th in win rate, 4th in productivity (among 76 qualifying interior defenders)
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In short: When he rushes, he wins.
And despite limited playing time and a rotational role, he’s still produced at a high level. What happens when he gets more snaps? We’re about to find out.
Why 2025 Could Be Wyatt’s Year
Coming off a season where the Packers finished top 10 in sacks but bottom half in pressures, it’s clear they need a more consistent interior threat to collapse the pocket and disrupt opposing quarterbacks. With TJ Slaton now in Cincinnati, Wyatt is in line to become a full-time starter next to veteran Kenny Clark.
And he’s got something to prove.
“I’m more of a go-out-there-and-show-you type of guy,” Wyatt said. “But I’m pretty sure I would’ve had a great year if I didn’t get no injuries.”
Indeed, Wyatt was on fire early in 2024, racking up 3 sacks, 6 TFLs, and 9 pressures in the first four games before suffering an ankle injury. When he returned, the numbers dipped — but he ramped back up late in the year, logging 14 pressures, 2 sacks, and 3 TFLs in the final four games.
If he stays healthy, there’s no reason he can’t double-digit his sack total and become one of the most disruptive interior linemen in the NFC.
Packers Need Him — Badly
Green Bay’s defensive front is thin on proven talent behind Clark and Wyatt. Day 3 rookies like Barryn Sorrell, Colin Oliver, and Warren Brinson might be promising, but they’re not expected to contribute heavily in Year 1. That means more responsibility — and more opportunity — for Wyatt.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur seems confident Wyatt is ready to rise to the occasion:
“He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do throughout the offseason. I think he’s in a much better place, and I think that he’ll be ready to go. I expect him to play his best ball going into Year 4.”
Veteran linemate Kenny Clark echoed the same belief:
“He was making a lot of plays before he got hurt. If he keeps grinding and building, he’s going to do something big.”
The Verdict: From Rotation Guy to Star-in-the-Making
The Packers already showed their faith in Wyatt by picking up his fifth-year option, locking him in through the 2026 season. Now, Wyatt has the runway — and the motivation — to become a three-down force, not just a situational disruptor.
“Just to see what I can do this year, what I can bring,” Wyatt said. “I’m very excited.”
If he delivers, the Packers’ front seven could evolve from solid to dominant. And Wyatt won’t just be flying under the radar anymore — he’ll be leading the charge.
