Jaguars should target DT Devonte Wyatt with first pick in 2nd round

Georgia’s Devonte Wyatt would be an optimal pickup for the Jacksonville Jaguars if he were to slide to the second round.

Due to the likely arrival of new defensive staff in Jacksonville, we don’t know what type of defensive scheme the Jaguars will have in place next season. However, if they settle on a coach who runs a 4-3 defense, Wyatt could be a pick with immense upside. Even more so, if he falls to the second round, which is a likelihood considering how deep this year’s class is in regard to defensive linemen.

As far as the Jaguars’ interior defensive line goes, they are in need of a boost. Malcom Brown, the team’s starting defensive tackle, accumulated four tackles for a loss and two sacks. Nose tackle DaVon Hamilton amassed two tackles for a loss and one sack. Jacksonville ran a base 3-4 defense and as you can see, their interior wasn’t overly impressive.

Depending on whether the team will switch schemes, drafting Wyatt makes sense in the second round. NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah recently had Wyatt slated to the Green Bay Packers at 28th in his latest mock draft. Things will change between now and April, so it wouldn’t be shocking to see Wyatt falling to the second round.

What would Devonte Wyatt bring to the Jaguars?

Wyatt’s stock began taking off over the past two years in Georgia, posting impressive numbers. In particular, he showed a knack for getting through blockers and into opponents’ offensive backfields. He totaled nine tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.

As Jake Schyvinck of NFL Mocks shows below, Wyatt easily sheds two blockers, getting to the quarterback with relative ease. The Jaguars could use some pass-rushing prowess from their interior. Pro Football Focus graded his pass rush at 84.0, with his run defense not far behind, receiving an 81.9 grade.

Wyatt’s biggest attribute coming into the NFL will be his versatility. That’s something that will bode well for whoever takes over the Jaguars’ defense. Wyatt can line up outside as an edge rusher, play inside as part of a 4-3 scheme, or even line up as a nose tackle.

Watching him play, Wyatt displays strong hands and dominates at the point of contact against blockers. He’s not the strongest defensive line prospect but his aforementioned hands and explosiveness off the line give him a solid foundation in becoming a pro. If Wyatt is still on the board when the Jaguars are on the clock in Day 2, they should strongly consider taking him.