The Chicago Bears have no 1st round pick, so they’ll have to rely more on luck than other teams to secure high-end talent in the upcoming draft. That may involve taking a risk on talented prospects that fall for various reasons. It happens every year. Somebody that has 1st round talent somehow slips through the top 32 and into the second day. Many times it’s inexplicable that something like that happens. Other times it’s understandable.
Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune has kept up with the latest draft buzz with one week to go. Knowing the current state of the Bears’ needs, he asked around about how things may unfold. He came across an interesting nugget involving a perceived 1st round pick. Despite tremendous success last season, there are growing beliefs he may fall, which would present the Bears with a significant dilemma.
“If the Bears’ focus was on an athletic and disruptive player for the middle of the defensive line, is it possible they are looking at potential three-technique tackles with one of their top picks? Some scouts I have spoken with believe Georgia’s Devonte Wyatt could fall out of Round 1 because of off-field issues. I have no idea how the Bears view Wyatt.”
Those off-the-field issues are centered around one incident in 2020.
Wyatt was arrested that year for a “family violence” incident involving his girlfriend and charged for criminal trespassing and destruction of property. Considering how radioactive domestic violence is in the NFL and other major sports, this is a serious problem for the defensive tackle. According to draft insider Charlie Campbell of Walter Football, private investigators claim there were three other such incidents he wasn’t punished for.
“In February of 2020, Wyatt was arrested for a “family violence” incident. Team sources say that their private investigators found out about three additional domestic violence incidents. With that in his background, sources from multiple teams say Wyatt is off their draft board.”
It’s hard to know how true that is, considering nobody else has reported it, but the situation is clear enough. Wyatt has a history of domestic violence. Teams know the negative publicity it brings and want no part of it. Most won’t be willing to risk a 1st round pick on that. Yet the fact the defensive tackle finished the 2021 season without incident makes one wonder how serious the issues are or if the pre-draft hysteria is blowing them out of proportion.
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#UGA DT Devonte Wyatt (6-3, 315) really flashes on tape. He’s a true up-the-field penetrator as a 3-tech. Disruptive, discipline vs. the run, and contains upside as a pass rusher. Saved his best for last against Alabama in the title game.
Excited to see him at the Senior Bowl. pic.twitter.com/BwoPB0xny3
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) January 21, 2022
Jordan Davis is a great run defender, but Devonte Wyatt (#95) plays more snaps and provides better backfield disruption. Day 2 prospect. https://t.co/H5a0RuVIV1 pic.twitter.com/zTywNj2sdb
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) December 6, 2021
Devonte Wyatt: 310-pound QB Spy. pic.twitter.com/3RJ9ERrfHj
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) February 22, 2022
Some former #UGA teammates going head-to-head here. Have always liked Devonte Wyatt’s quickness off the ball for a 300-lb man. That’s a quick win #GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/IFKmDlczKE
— Fran Duffy (@EaglesXOs) February 2, 2022
Chicago Bears would face a tough choice on Wyatt.
The domestic violence issue is no joke. This organization has been burned by somebody with that problem before. See Ray McDonald. However, there is no denying reality. Wyatt is an absolutely perfect fit for Matt Eberflus’ new defense. His remarkable quickness and explosion make him the ideal three-technique interior pass rusher this team needs. Don’t be fooled by his modest 2.5 sacks and seven tackles for a loss last year. When allowed to attack up the field, he wreaked havoc.
There is no question he has the physical capability to be a dynamic inside presence. That isn’t the issue. Eberflus would know how to use him right away. The problem is he might not fit the character standard new GM Ryan Poles has in mind. High character is a major priority for him. That means guys that work hard, lead by example, love football, and probably stay out of trouble.
That last one might be a deal-breaker for Wyatt.
Still, several teams with supposed character standards like the Chicago Bears have made sacrifices in the past. If the talent is high enough, they’re willing to chance it. The Kansas City Chiefs selected Marcus Peters a few years ago despite him getting kicked off the team in college. Perhaps Wyatt may get the same treatment.
