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 2024 season. Today we will preview the defensive tackle position. We will examine another position each day until the start of training camp.

To see our preview of the quarterbacks, click here.

Packers 2024 Training Camp Position Preview Defensive Tackle, Projected Starters: Kenny Clark

Kenny Clark remains the Packers best interior defensive lineman on the roster. The former first-round pick out of UCLA recorded a career-high 7.5 sacks last season and earned Pro Bowl honors for the third time in his career.

Clark remains one of the few interior defensive linemen who can both stuff the run and put pressure on the passer. He also provides veteran leadership for the Packers defense and is a vital part of the team. He hopes to play even better under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.

Devonte Wyatt

Devonte Wyatt started five games last season and played 50 percent of the team’s defensive snaps. The Georgia alum also recorded a career-high 5.5 sacks.

Wyatt needs to take his game to the next level in his third season. He has shown potential but now needs to do it more consistently. The more aggressive approach on defense should benefit him this season.

T.J. Slaton

T.J. Slaton is more of a run stuffer than a pass rusher and will see plenty of action in the middle of the line. He made 50 total tackles last season, a new career-high, but did not record a sack.

The Packers clearly need to improve their run defense and Slaton will be a key part of that. He does the dirty work that doesn’t make a lot of headlines but is critical to the team’s run defense.

Packers 2024 Training Camp Position Preview Defensive Tackle, Projected Backups: Colby Wooden

Colby Wooden played all 17 games as a rookie last season but did not start any. He recorded half a sack and 17 total tackles.

The former fourth-round pick out of Auburn hopes to make a second-year jump and to play a bigger role this season. He played 23 percent of the team’s defensive snaps as a rookie. One key would be to improve his run defense.

Karl Brooks

Karl Brooks made a big leap from Bowling Green to the NFL. In his first NFL season, he recorded four sacks and 20 total tackles while playing just 34 percent of the defensive snaps. He also forced a fumble and recovered two.

Brooks showed the ability to penetrate and make plays which should make him a good fit in Hafley’s more aggressive defense.

Jonathan Ford

Jonathan Ford has spent the last two seasons on the Packers practice squad. This will likely be his final chance to prove he deserves to make the roster. The 6’5”, 338-pound former Miami (Florida) star was primarily drafted to play special teams and clog up the middle of the line. He has yet to prove himself at the NFL level.

James Ester

James Ester signed with the Packers as an undrafted free agent out of Northern Illinois. He was a four-year captain in college and recorded nine sacks in 49 games in college. He is a long shot to make the team but could find a spot on the practice squad.

Spencer Waege

Spencer Waege spent last season on the 49ers practice squad. The Packers claimed him off waivers in May. He has yet to play a regular season NFL game. The former North Dakota State star played defensive end in college but moved inside in the NFL. He is a longshot to make the roster.

Three Key Questions for the Packers Defensive Tackle

Packers 2024 Training Camp Position Preview Defensive Tackle: Question One, Can the Run Defense Improve?

The Packers run defense has been a problem for several seasons and must improve. Joe Barry played read and react while Hafley’s approach is more aggressive. The Packers need to be better defending the run and hope this is the year that finally happens.

The new approach should free up the linebackers to make more plays against the run behind the defensive line.

Question Two: How Long Will It Take to Adjust?

Clearly, playing a four-man front will be different than playing a three-man front. The approach of the defense will also be different this season.

There will likely be an adjustment period early in the season. But by mid-season, this defensive line (and the defense as a whole) will need to show progress. By the time the payoff push comes in the second half of the season, the unit needs to be comfortable in the new defense. They also need to be playing at a higher level if the Packers hope to be Super Bowl contenders.

Question Three, Will the Packers Re-Sign Kenny Clark

Clark is heading into the final year of his contract. He is the best defensive tackle on the team, but the Packers don’t give out many third contracts. Clark will turn 29 in October. The Jordan Love contract details may influence how much money is left for Clark. The Packers hope to keep Clark around beyond 2024, but the numbers have to be right.

 

 

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