How the Green Bay Packers Will Replace Kenny Clark at Nose Tackle?

The Green Bay Packers pulled off a blockbuster trade last week when they acquired Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys. The Packers gave up two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark to get Parsons who is considered one of the best pass rushers in the league right now. But the deal leaves the Packers with a hole at nose tackle. That could adversely affect their run defense, especially in the middle of the field. So, how will the Packers replace Kenny Clark at nose tackle this season?

How the Packers Will Replace Kenny Clark at Nose Tackle: The Departed

Last season, the Packers run defense finished seventh in the league by allowing 99.4 yards per game. They also ranked third in the league allowing 4.0 yards per rush over the course of the season.

The primary nose tackle was T.J. Slaton who played only in running situations. His job was primarily to occupy blockers at the point of attack and free up teammates to make tackles. Slaton did his job well. At 6’4”, 340 pounds, Slaton has the perfect body type to play nose tackle. He left this offseason after signing with the Bengals as a free agent.

The alternative was Clark, who had played nose tackle for most of his career until the last two seasons. His ability to rush the passer encouraged GM Brian Gutekunst to draft Slaton to fill in at nose tackle. This allowed Clark to move elsewhere along the defensive line. Unfortunately, Clark injured his toe in the season opener last year and wasn’t as effective as he had been. The three-time Pro Bowler saw his sack total fall from 7.5 in 2023 to just one last season. Clark stands 6’3” and weighs 314 pounds His size and quickness made him effective as a nose tackle. He is now with the Cowboys.

The Candidates for Nose Tackle

Devonte Wyatt primarily plays three-technique which his quickness and body type make him an ideal fit for. He has been better at rushing the passer than stopping the run and wouldn’t make much sense as a nose tackle.

Karl Brooks also lacks the body type to play nose tackle. Like Wyatt, he relies on his quickness to penetrate and rush the passer.

The remaining three candidates all have potential but are unproven. Colby Wooden has bulked up over the offseason and has a better chance of playing nose tackle as a result. Still, his experience at the position has mostly come this year in preseason.

Rookie Warren Brinson has the size to play the position. But the sixth-round pick out of Georgia spent most of the preseason playing other positions along the interior defensive line. In addition to adjusting to playing in the NFL, he’d have to learn a new position in a hurry to start in Week 1.

Undrafted free agent Nazir Stackhouse has the perfect body type to play nose tackle. He had an uneven preseason but fared better at practices during training camp. The big question will be how quickly Stackhouse will be ready for extended duty. The rookie struggled in game conditions during the preseason and that was mostly against second or third string players.

How the Packers Will Replace Kenny Clark at Nose Tackle: The Outlook

Wooden will most likely get the start at nose tackle for the season opener. I would expect Stackhouse to also see some time as part of the rotation if he’s active on game day. These players will be on the field in running situations.

This will be an interesting challenge for defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. Hafley has done a good job thus far of covering up for his unit’s weaknesses. Stopping the run, especially in the middle of the field, will now be something he’ll need to address early in the season.

The loss of Clark will have an impact on the run defense. The Lions are the Packers Week 1 opponent. Detroit likes to run the football and don’t be surprised if they try to run the ball up the middle frequently, especially if they take the lead. The absence of Frank Ragnow, who retired over the offseason, benefits the Packers.

Ultimately, the Packers would like to see Stackhouse fill the run-stuffing nose tackle spot. The question will be how long it will take for him to earn the trust of the coaching staff and how well Wooden or the other candidates play until Stackhouse is ready.

This is something to keep an eye on during the early part of the 2025 campaign.