The Packers pulled off a blockbuster trade, but now there’s a huge hole to fill at nose tackle! Who steps up to replace the beloved Kenny Clark? We’re breaking down every internal option the Green Bay defense has before the season kicks off. Will a rookie shine, or will a veteran shift roles? Find out who’s ready for the challenge!

The Green Bay Packers have made a bold move, acquiring All-Pro Micah Parsons in a significant trade. While this bolsters their pass rush, it has left a critical void at nose tackle, necessitating an immediate internal solution before the highly anticipated season opener. The departure of a foundational player like Kenny Clark means the team must pivot swiftly, evaluating its current roster to find a suitable replacement for a position integral to their defensive scheme.

Kenny Clark’s tenure with the Packers spanned nearly a decade, during which he was not only a defensive stalwart but also embodied the team’s core values on and off the field. His consistent performance, often battling through injuries, highlights the magnitude of the hole he leaves. With the earlier free-agency departure of T.J. Slaton, Clark was set to return to a pivotal nose tackle role, a position where he consistently commanded double teams, making his absence even more pronounced.

The clock is ticking for Green Bay, with the season’s first game just days away. Unlike the planned gradual integration for Micah Parsons, the replacement at nose tackle requires an immediate impact. Coach Matt LaFleur has expressed confidence in the current group of defensive tackles, indicating that the solution will arise from within the existing roster, demanding that one of the internal candidates step up under immense pressure.

Devonte Wyatt, as the most experienced defensive tackle on the roster following Clark’s trade, immediately comes to mind. A 2022 first-round pick, Wyatt has accumulated over 1,100 career snaps. However, a significant portion of his play has been from a three-technique alignment, which leverages his quickness to penetrate the backfield, rather than the true nose tackle responsibilities of holding the line and occupying blockers. This positional nuance presents a challenge for his potential transition.

Karl Brooks, a former sixth-round pick, has quietly carved out a productive career, showcasing his capabilities with impressive stats including sacks, quarterback hits, and tackles for loss on limited snaps. While his versatility and proven ability to disrupt are valuable, his primary alignment and historical usage do not naturally align with the traditional nose tackle role, making his fit an intriguing but less straightforward option.

Colby Wooden emerges as arguably the most probable candidate to start at nose tackle in Week 1. Drafted as an undersized defensive tackle, Wooden has dedicated himself to transforming his physique, now weighing over 290 pounds. His experience taking first-team reps during training camp when Clark was sidelined, and his start in the final preseason game, underscore the coaching staff’s confidence in his ability to fill the crucial role.

Wooden’s recent performances, including a highly productive outing against the New York Jets with multiple tackles and a pass deflection, suggest he is trending upwards. Despite an initially underwhelming career statistical output, his best training camp to date has set the stage for him to prove his readiness for a significant role in his third year, potentially anchoring the Packers defensive line.

Rookie Dontayvian Brinson, despite possessing the ideal physical build for a nose tackle at 6-5, 315 pounds, primarily operated as a B-gap defender and over the tackle in the preseason. This suggests that while he has the size, his immediate role may not be at nose tackle as he adjusts to the NFL, potentially carving out a different rotational spot in 2025.

Another rookie, Jonathan Stackhouse, who impressively extended the Packers’ streak of undrafted rookies making the initial 53-man roster, is a true nose tackle by trade. His immense size provides an advantage for getting on the field quickly, particularly on early downs. However, like Brinson, Stackhouse must earn the coaching staff’s trust, but his natural fit for the position gives him a strong case for early playing time.