Devonte Wyatt has demonstrated significant improvement as a pass rusher for the Green Bay Packers, particularly since becoming a more regular starter in 2023. His metrics place him among the top interior defenders in several key categories: hurries, hits, and sacks per opportunity. With 61 hurries and 12 sacks, he ranks in the 97th percentile for hurries per pass rush opportunity, showing he has the potential to become a game-changer.

However, Wyatt's performance is undermined by penalties and missed tackles, where he finds himself in the lower percentiles. In 2024, he showed progress in tackling, improving from the 45th to the 88th percentile, yet his snap counts decreased, raising questions about his role going forward. Wyatt's ability to transition into a more full-time role is crucial for his development and the Packers' defensive strategy.

The Green Bay Packers are testing the versatility of Lukas Van Ness, their third-year edge rusher, by experimenting with him as an interior pass-rusher in specific situations during the upcoming season. Initially drafted in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Van Ness has shown promise in this new role, although he has limited experience there from previous seasons. Coach Matt LaFleur indicated that situational usage could be pivotal for the defense, particularly in known passing situations where Van Ness' combination of quickness and power may disrupt opposing offenses.

His development has been notable, with emphasis on increasing confidence heading into his third year. Despite a dip in production in 2024 with only 3 sacks and 20 pressures, the Packers believe that deploying him inside could unlock his potential as a disruptive force alongside established rushers like Rashan Gary and Devonte Wyatt. This strategic shift could provide the Packers with a competitive edge, enhancing their pass rush capabilities during critical moments of games.

The Green Bay Packers are seeing significant improvements in various players as they head into the 2025 season. Defensive end Lukas Van Ness has shown marked growth, with his PFF grade jumping by over 25% during the latter part of the 2024 campaign, showcasing increased pass rush productivity. Kenny Clark and Devonte Wyatt also made strides, with both achieving over 25% improvement in their PFF grades down the stretch. The Packers' linebacker Quay Walker demonstrated potential by raising his average grade significantly, indicating he may be a key player moving forward.

Additionally, young talents like Tucker Kraft and Edgerrin Cooper have emerged as reliable assets, with Kraft's performance improving throughout the season and Cooper finishing strong as the highest graded defender. Carrington Valentine and Dontayvion Wicks also showed signs of returning to form, hinting at a promising future for the Packers' offense and defense. With these upward trends, the Packers appear poised for a more competitive 2025 season.

The Green Bay Packers are continuing their trend of drafting players from the University of Georgia, now adopting the nickname "Pack Dawgs" for their contingent of former Bulldogs on the roster. Both the Packers and the Philadelphia Eagles boast eight players from UGA, including standout athletes like Quay Walker, Devonte Wyatt, and Mecole Hardman. Warren Brinson, the latest addition after being selected in the sixth round, expressed excitement about joining this tight-knit group, highlighting the Packers' strategy of acquiring talent from a program known for its elite defensive and offensive players. This strategy has proven beneficial, as evidenced by previous contributions from former Georgia players in critical games.

The Green Bay Packers have exercised the fifth-year option for defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt, securing him $12.9 million for the 2026 season. This decision aligns with the current market as 27 interior defensive linemen earn more than this amount. Conversely, the Packers opted against picking up linebacker Quay Walker's fifth-year option, which would have guaranteed him $14.7 million. Walker's performance metrics, including ranking 44th in stops and 70th in PFF grade, played a role in this decision.

Despite the non-commitment to the fifth-year option, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst indicated an interest in signing Walker to a longer extension—potentially before the upcoming season. Walker, who led the team in tackles during his first three seasons, showed significant improvement before an injury hindered his late 2024 performance. Gutekunst praised Walker's leadership, hinting at a desire to keep him within the organization for the long term.