The Green Bay Packers are set to open training camp later this month. This is the next in a series of articles previewing the Packers position by position, analyzing the talent on the roster and discussing key questions that are facing the team as they begin preparation for the 2026 season. Today we will examine the defensive tackles. We will examine another position each day until the start of training camp. To read our quarterbacks analysis, click here. These are three big questions facing the Green Bay Packers at defensive tackle entering training camp in 2026:

The Projected Candidates: Starters: Devonte Wyatt, Javon Hargrave, Chris McClellan; Backups: Karl Brooks, Warren Brinson; Fighting for roster spots: Nazir Stackhouse, Jonathan Ford, Jordan Riley, Jaden Crumedy, Anthony Campbell

Three Big Questions Facing the Packers at Defensive Tackle, Number One: Will Devonte Wyatt Put It All Together?

Devonte Wyatt will be playing the 2026 season on his fifth-year option. That means that this once again will be a contract year for the former Georgia star. That gives Wyatt a lot of incentive to have a big season in 2026.

Wyatt will be returning from a serious, season-ending injury. His absence was definitely felt by the team with Micah Parsons mentioning the impact Wyatt has on both his game and the defense as a whole.

The Packers need Wyatt to stay on the field and be more consistent this season. When Wyatt is on his game, he can be an impact player. He just needs to do that more often in 2026 as the Packers transition to ta new defense.

Number Two: What Impact Can Javon Hargrave Have?

The Packers signed the 33-year-old former Pro Bowler to a two-year, free agent deal this offseason. Javon Hargrave played with new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon when he was with the Eagles. His time with Gannon was the most productive of his NFL career.

Hargrave can play multiple positions along the defensive line. He can put pressure on opposing quarterbacks and help stop the run. Early in the season when Parsons will be unavailable, getting pressure from the interior of the defensive line will be critical so Hargrave and Wyatt will be counted on to provide that pressure.

Because of his experience with Gannon, Hargrave can also help the team make the adjustment to the new three-man front. His experience and familiarity with the defense should help him mentor some of the younger players on the roster like third-round pick Chris McClellan.

The Packers need Hargrave to prove he has enough left in the tank to become a regular contributor to the Packers revamped defensive line.

Three Big Questions Facing the Packers at Defensive Tackle, Number Three: Who Wins the Nose Tackle Position?

The Packers lack a proven NFL nose tackle on the current roster. There will be a multi-player battle to see who gets the job. Keep in mind, the Packers will likely only have a true nose tackle on the field for roughly 20 percent of the team’s defensive snaps. They will be on when the team is in base defense and in obvious running situations.

The incumbent is second-year man Nazir Stackhouse. Stackhouse struggled at times during his rookie season but also showed flashes of run stuffing ability. He made the team last year as an undrafted free agent. He will need to take a year two jump in order to keep the starting job or even to secure a roster spot.

Late last season, the Packers brought back former seventh-round pick Jonathan Ford. Ford played one game for the Packers late last season after playing parts of two seasons with the Bears. He spent time on the Packers practice squad after the team drafted him back in 2022.

McClellan can also play the nose on occasion although it’s not clear whether he’ll be ready to contribute in that role as a rookie.

The Packers need a nose tackle to solidify the run defense. Gannon will not be prioritizing stopping the run, but it remains important to keep opposing offenses off schedule and forcing them into obvious passing situations.

 

 

 

 

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