By the end of last season, the Green Bay Packers' defensive tackle depth was in shambles.
The move to trade Kenny Clark to Dallas before the season as part of the Micah Parsons deal, along with a season-ending injury to Devonte Wyatt, meant the Packers were relying on too many young, unproven players for quality snaps late in the year.
After addressing the position this offseason through the signing of veteran Javon Hargrave and the drafting of Chris McClellan in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, along with Wyatt getting healthy, the expectation was that they would be in a stronger position this time around.
As it turned out, Hargrave and Wyatt have both taken time to get back on the practice field this summer, and yet Green Bay’s fill-ins
have made an impact throughout practice and the preseason.
Asked about the young group, headlined by McClellan and second-year players Warren Brinson and Nazir Stackhouse, head coach Matt LaFleur said the trio will “absolutely” help the Packers this year and admitted he has been impressed with their work.
"I think we’ve got a heck of a competition in that room quite frankly, guys competing for snaps," LaFleur said "They've all had their moments when it’s been really good and then there’s some moments where we need better, or (they’ve) gotta execute (their) assignment at a higher level. I am excited about that room."
In Green Bay’s preseason opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers, several defensive tackles stood out, including Jonathan Ford, who is in his second stint with the team and posted an 80.6 PFF grade, which was the best of any Packers defender on the day.
McClellan earned a 71.9 grade, while Jaden Crumedy and Brinson also scored well, receiving grades of 70.2 and 69.6 respectively. Anthony Campbell has also been making noise at training camp, batting down passes at a ridiculous rate.
One player not to forget about is Jordon Riley, who ended up playing an important role for the Packers D-line late last season before tearing his Achilles.
"I wouldn’t anticipate him in training camp, but he’s done a heck of a job," LaFleur said. "He was here all summer long with our trainers and our strength staff. I don’t wanna speak for anybody but it appears to me he’s ahead of schedule. He will be a big bonus for us.
"I thought he did a really nice job (last season). He’s come in here, he’s been a great teammate, which is paramount. I think he’s really fit into what we do here, so I’m excited for the day when he does come back."
The hope for Green Bay will first and foremost be that they can be healthier on the defensive line. If the first few weeks of camp are any indication, they could also benefit from stronger depth than they had last year, as young players continue to show growth and push for playing time.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Matt LaFleur on Packers D-line: 'We've got a heck of a competition'
