In a surprising development at the Green Bay Packers’ training camp, comments from Kenny Clark have sparked excitement among fans and media, revealing that his teammate, Colby Wooden, is being groomed to take on the nose tackle role in the 2025 season. Could this signal the rise of a new, potentially even more formidable version of Kenny Clark—a “Kenny Clark 2.0”? Let’s dive deeper into Wooden’s potential and what this shift could mean.
Context: The Nose Tackle Void
Following T.J. Slaton’s departure in free agency, the Green Bay Packers faced a significant gap at the nose tackle position—a role that demands strength, durability, and the ability to withstand double teams to stop opposing run games. Kenny Clark, one of the NFL’s premier defensive tackles, has shown versatility in playing multiple roles along the defensive line, but using him as a full-time nose tackle isn’t ideal, especially as the 29-year-old comes off a season that wasn’t his most dominant.
Rookies Warren Brinson and Nazir Stackhouse were expected to compete for the role, but both lack experience. Against this backdrop, the decision to train Colby Wooden—a third-year defensive tackle—for the nose tackle position is a bold and unexpected move by the Packers’ coaching staff, particularly under new defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington.
Colby Wooden: From Pass Rusher to Run-Stopper
Selected in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Colby Wooden joined the Packers as a pass rusher with a lean, athletic frame and the ability to pressure quarterbacks from the interior. Standing at 6’4” and weighing around 273 pounds when he entered the league, Wooden’s physique is far from that of a traditional nose tackle, who typically tips the scales at over 300 pounds and possesses brute strength to battle offensive linemen. However, according to Kenny Clark, Wooden has spent the offseason “learning how to play nose tackle” and adjusting his body to fit this new role.
This transition requires more than just bulking up and building strength; it demands a shift in mindset. The nose tackle position calls for patience, situational awareness, and endurance to hold ground against relentless offensive assaults. If Wooden can adapt successfully, he could not only fill the void left by Slaton but also bring a unique playing style: blending the agility of a pass rusher with the power of a run-stopper.
Why Wooden Could Be ‘Kenny Clark 2.0’?
Kenny Clark has long been a cornerstone of the Packers’ defense. With 37 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, and 1 sack in 15 games last season, Clark excels at stopping the run while also pressuring quarterbacks. However, his strength lies in his versatility, often playing as a three-technique rather than a traditional nose tackle.
If Colby Wooden succeeds in his transition, he could become an upgraded version of Clark. As a former pass rusher, Wooden brings speed and explosiveness that traditional nose tackles often lack. Should he combine this with the strength required to play nose tackle, Wooden could become a dual-threat: a dominant run-stopper who can also pressure quarterbacks from the heart of the defensive line. This is an area where even Clark, with all his talent, hasn’t fully dominated as a nose tackle.
Moreover, under DeMarcus Covington’s guidance, the Packers’ defensive tackle group is being coached to prioritize technique and versatility. This could create the perfect environment for Wooden to maximize his potential, potentially making him a more dynamic weapon than Clark is currently.
Challenges and Risks
The path to becoming “Kenny Clark 2.0” is far from guaranteed. Wooden’s shift to a new position after two relatively quiet NFL seasons could indicate a struggle to secure a defined role on the roster. With competition from Brinson and Stackhouse—who are more familiar with the nose tackle role—Wooden must prove he can not only adapt but also outperform his rivals.
Additionally, transforming his physique and playing style in a short timeframe could impact Wooden’s performance. If he fails to adjust mentally or achieve the necessary strength, the Packers may need to rely on other options or even revert to using Clark at nose tackle, which could diminish the overall effectiveness of the defensive line.
The Packers’ Strategic Vision
The decision to develop Wooden as a nose tackle reflects a long-term strategy. With Clark approaching 30 and Devonte Wyatt potentially leaving after the 2025 season, Green Bay is preparing for the future of its defensive front. At 24 years old with a contract through 2026, Wooden represents a valuable investment. If he can evolve into a force at nose tackle, the Packers will address an immediate need while building a younger, more versatile, and potentially more dominant defensive line.
Furthermore, the 2025 draft class is considered rich in defensive tackle talent, and the Packers added Warren Brinson in the sixth round alongside undrafted free agent Nazir Stackhouse. This suggests a deliberate effort to build depth at the position, with Wooden as a key piece of the long-term puzzle.
Conclusion: A Historic Moment?
Can Colby Wooden truly become “Kenny Clark 2.0” and perhaps an even scarier version? The answer hinges on his ability to adapt to his new role and the vision of the Packers’ coaching staff. If Wooden can merge his natural speed with the strength required to excel as a nose tackle, he could emerge as a game-changer, not only filling T.J. Slaton’s shoes but elevating the Packers’ defense to new heights.
For now, this remains an ambitious experiment, but with mentorship from Kenny Clark and a revamped coaching system, Wooden