With The First Pick
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2022 NFL Draft: Best fit with first pick for the Buffalo Bills

By Rowan Fisher-Shotton

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text "THE PICK IS IN" for the Buffalo Bills during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text "THE PICK IS IN" for the Buffalo Bills during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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Bryce Young #9 of the Alabama Crimson Tide avoids a pass rush by Devonte Wyatt #95 of the Georgia Bulldogs (Photo by Steven Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
Bryce Young #9 of the Alabama Crimson Tide avoids a pass rush by Devonte Wyatt #95 of the Georgia Bulldogs (Photo by Steven Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /

DT Devonte Wyatt, Georgia

Each of the past three NFL drafts, the Buffalo Bills have chosen a defensive lineman with their first pick (Ed Oliver – 2019, A.J. Epenesa – 2020, and Gregory Rousseau – 2021). So, there’s good reason to believe that they will once again look towards shoring up this position in 2022.

Honestly, I would love for Buffalo to take the 6’6”, 340-pound mauler in Jordan Davis with their first pick. He’s undoubtedly the most dominant nose tackle in his class, reminiscent of a supersized Vince Wilfork. But I see a far more realistic option in Davis’s teammate at Georgia, Devonte Wyatt.

Even though Wyatt doesn’t draw nearly as much attention as Davis, and was largely overshadowed by the Bulldogs’ loaded national championship defense. He’s still one of the biggest playmakers in the NFL draft and should transition seamlessly to the professional level.

At 6’3”, 307-pounds, he not only has the size, speed, and athleticism to line up anywhere along the line of scrimmage. But he also has the strength to match up against bigger offensive linemen, showcasing his tremendous versatility. In fact, his 39 tackles in 2021 lead all defensive linemen on a top-ranked Georgia defense, while also adding in 2 forced fumbles, 7 tackles for a loss, and 2.5 sacks.

Which was enough to earn a spot on the Coaches’ All-SEC 1st Team, the AP All-SEC 2nd Team, as well as a trip to the Senior Bowl. Where Devonte Wyatt had the highest win rate of any defensive tackle in one-on-one scenarios.

He also holds one of the highest overall player grades of any athlete in the NFL draft (89.9), via Pro Football Focus. Renowned for his quick and powerful hands, as well as his innate ability to locate opposing ball-carriers, and hustle around the field looking to make a play.

Assuming Jordan Davis is long gone by the time the Bills draft at No. 25, I feel that the best fit for Buffalo at DT would be Devonte Wyatt.

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