Prominent Georgia Defender Visits the Minnesota Vikings
Josh Frey
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There’s no question that the Georgia Bulldogs had one of the best defenses in collegiate football history during the 2021 season. Because of that success, it looks likely that four of their players on that side of the ball could be taken in the first round of this month’s draft. One of those four players visited the Minnesota Vikings this week: defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt.
The defensive front for the Minnesota Vikings has been an area that has seen a ton of focus from the Vikings new GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, so would they really add another piece with their first pick in the draft? In PurplePTSD‘s recent team mock draft, I thought there was a chance. The Bulldog may be a great fit with the Vikings, and here is why.
Wyatt has gone somewhat under-the-radar ever since Jordan Davis completely tore up the scouting combine in March. Ever since the 340-pound behemoth ran a 4.78 40-yard dash at the event, Davis has been rocketing up draft boards. While Davis should certainly become a productive NFL nose tackle, there’s a real possibility he is not even the best defensive tackle from his own program.
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That title may instead belong to Wyatt. For one, the redshirt senior may have just as much freakish athleticism as his counterpart. Remember Davis’ 4.78 40-yard dash? Wyatt ran a 4.77. Sure, it’s a little less impressive at 307 pounds but still remains an extremely impressive feat.
Additionally, Wyatt has a much more developed package of both pass-rush and run-stopping moves. He can bullrush, he can spin, he can rip, he can swim. Because of this, and the recent signing of Harrison Phillips, Wyatt may be better suited as a fit on the Vikings than Jordan Davis.
Especially in year one, Davis looks more like a pure nose tackle. There may not be much room for one of those with the Vikings if Minnesota wants a prospect that will make an immediate impact. Wyatt on the other hand could jump out to one of the outside spots, and the one opposite of Dalvin Tomlinson seems up for grabs. The Vikings have a number of players who could compete for it (Armon Watts, D.J. Wonnum, etc.), but assuming Wyatt’s production can transfer to the NFL level, he becomes an immediate favorite to win that spot.
