The Green Bay Packers have talent on both sides of the ball. However, it is fair to point out that several players on the roster have yet to make a meaningful jump in production — something that will be crucial to the team’s chances of competing for a title in 2025.
Still, the Packers have a few players who many would consider underappreciated. Javon Bullard was one of only five defensive backs in 2024 to log 250+ snaps at both slot corner and free safety — and the first rookie to do so since 2007. Meanwhile, Christian Watson consistently put on a clinic as a run blocker, contributing to the ground game week in and week out despite not seeing many targets. These are just two examples of the high character and versatility that exist in Green Bay’s locker room.
NFL.com’s Gennaro Filice named the most underappreciated player on every NFL team ahead of the 2025 season. For Green Bay, he chose a defensive lineman who has shown flashes of being a disruptor but is yet to evolve into a consistent force upfront.
"A first-round pick in 2022, (Devonte) Wyatt took a big step forward in 2023, posting 5.5 sacks and 48 QB pressures (per PFF)," Filice wrote.
"With Jeff Hafley taking over the defense in 2024 -- switching the scheme from Joe Barry’s 3-4 front to a base 4-3 approach -- Wyatt appeared poised for a full-fledged breakout as a gap-shooting 3-tech," he added. And he was indeed a monster in the first three games of the season, racking up three sacks, five QB hits and nine pressures. But then he sprained his ankle in Week 4, sidelining him for three games. He appeared to get his mojo back late in the season, logging a sack in back-to-back December games, but I want to see a fully healthy season from Wyatt in Hafley’s system.
Wyatt has 12 career sacks in three seasons, appearing in 47 games but starting only five. He has recorded 85 pressures in his career, including 77 over the past two seasons. The Packers picked up his fifth-year option, keeping him under contract through 2026.
Green Bay ranked 27th in pass rush win rate a year ago. This offseason, they hired DeMarcus Covington to coach the defensive line, hoping he can revive the group. However, everyone up front needs to improve. While Wyatt has shown he can generate pressure, he needs to get better at finishing plays. Still, he has the talent to become Green Bay’s top threat on the interior.
This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.
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