Full Breakdown
Green Bay Packers' Need for a Nose Tackle in 2026
2/14/2026, 1:00:26 PM
Current Defensive Challenges
The Green Bay Packers face significant challenges in their defensive lineup as they prepare for the 2026 NFL season. Following the trade of starting nose tackle Kenny Clark to the Dallas Cowboys, the team struggled to find a suitable replacement, leading to a lack of bulk on the interior defensive line. This deficiency contributed to a decline in defensive performance, with the Packers initially showcasing one of the league's best defenses before faltering significantly as the season progressed.
Draft and Free Agency Shortcomings
In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Packers aimed to secure a post-Clark starter but encountered difficulties as nose tackles were selected earlier than anticipated. Consequently, Green Bay added Warren Brinson in the sixth round and signed Nazir Stackhouse as an undrafted free agent. However, neither player started, and the primary role at nose tackle fell to Colby Wooden, who, despite his efforts, was undersized for the position at 273 pounds. The Packers' attempts to fill the gap included rotating players like Karl Brooks and Devonte Wyatt, but these were primarily utilized in passing situations rather than as traditional nose tackles.
The Need for a New Starter
As the Packers look ahead to the 2026 season, it is evident that they require a dedicated starter at the nose tackle position. Wooden's performance indicated he could not handle the volume of snaps necessary for the role, prompting speculation that the team will actively pursue a new player through free agency or the draft. The lack of available nose tackles post-draft has historically made this position challenging to fill, as teams tend to retain their players.
Potential Free Agent Targets
The upcoming free agency class presents several candidates who could potentially fill the nose tackle void for the Packers. Among the notable names are:
- Sheldon Rankins (32 years old): Although primarily a pressure player, Rankins posted an impressive 89.4 grade at the position but did not play a significant number of snaps as a traditional nose tackle.
- Isaiah Lopez (28 years old): A former undrafted player who played 39% of his snaps at nose tackle for the Detroit Lions, Lopez recorded a 76.3 grade in 2025.
- David Onyemata (34 years old): A consistent starter since 2019, Onyemata has maintained a solid performance with a 74.6 grade at nose tackle.
- Khyiris Tonga (30 years old): Weighing 335 pounds, Tonga started eight games for the New England Patriots in 2025 and could be a strong candidate for the Packers.
- Jordan Phillips (30 years old): Phillips has experience as a starter and played 63% of his snaps at nose tackle, earning a 62.3 grade.
Conclusion
The Green Bay Packers' defensive strategy for the 2026 season hinges on successfully addressing the nose tackle position. With the current roster lacking a reliable starter, the team is expected to explore both free agency and the draft to secure a player capable of bolstering their defensive line. As they navigate this offseason, the Packers will need to prioritize finding a player who can effectively fill the void left by Kenny Clark and enhance the overall performance of their defense.
