I know, the Packers organization and cheeseheads everywhere are over the moon with shiny new elite pass rusher, Micah Parsons.
I am just as stoked as everyone else to see him let loose this weekend after being completely removed from the injury report this week.
I do think we run the risk however, of not shedding light on the existing Packers squad. While I will 100% agree that Micah’s presence on the field is paying dividends, I am also not so quick to deny the step up that we’ve seen from players like Lukas Van Ness, who is showing that 3rd year step we were all hoping for. Rashan Gary has also seemingly found his way back to form.
Today however, I want to give some shine to the fellas who have stepped up in a big way to replace Kenny Clark in the interior line.
With Kenny off in Jerry’s World, the Packers lost a long‑time anchor in the defensive tackle/nose role who brought both run stuffing and interior disruption, as well as leadership to this young squad.
Thankfully, the future seems to be in good hands.
Colby Wooden
Colby Wooden entered the year literally bigger and stronger having added some weight to his frame. He’s now up to around 300 pound and in a better position to match the physical demands of playing nose tackle for the Packers.
So far in 2025 Wooden’s use in game shows he isn’t just being rotated in for depth, he’s producing. In the season opener vs. Detroit, the Packers held down two of the Lions’ top rushers (David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs) to under 50 yards. Wooden had a career‑high 6 tackles. You could also how much more sure and quick he is on his feet.
Wooden didn’t take too kindly to the pundits saying the Packers run defense strength would dwindle without Clark. Take a listen to what he told Larry McCarren after beating the Lions.
It is great to see the progress, and I love to see the fire from Wooden. Colby had somewhat of a quiet 2024,and I feel like his 2025 step up is a big credit to his determination and work ethic. It also speaks volumes to Jeff Hafley’s recognition of his potential, and placing him in position to be successful.
Overall, Wooden appears to be making the jump from rotational/depth player toward a reliable starter, especially in run defense, filling one of Clark’s biggest responsibilities.
Devonte Wyatt
Wyatt seems to be the pass rush Yin to Wooden’s run stop Yang.
Coming into 2025 I expected to see Wyatt take a step up, even prior to Kenny Clark being traded to Dallas. The Packers seemed to think he would as well, exercising his fifth‑year option. A clear sign that they see him as a core piece moving forward.
The potential has been there since Wyatt landed in Green Bay. In his rookie season back in 2022, Devonte played in 16 games putting up 15 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 3 QB hits, a PBU, and a forced fumble. I mean talk about coming in and making a statement.
Last year in 2024 he recorded 23 tackles, including 5 sacks and 2 fumble recoveries over 14 games, despite missing time due to injury. Per Pro Football Focus (PFF), in 2024 his overall grade was 66.5, placing him in the middle of the pack among defensive interiors. More importantly though, his pass‑rush grade was at about 71.7
Now through the first 2 games of 2025, Wyatt has already racked up 2 sacks, and is batting down passes like a boss.
You can absolutely see the physicality he’s bringing to the interior, while Parsons and Gary go hunting on the edge.
The Packers Are Built For A Deep Run
Across the board the front 4 of the Packers defense looks primed for a deep run. With most of the league crowning them as the best defense in the NFL through 2 weeks, Packers fans are watching what I believe is history in the making.
I would just say, that while I am in awe of the production Micah is having already, it’s important to recognize that his teammates are playing well ALONGSIDE of him, more than it just being BECAUSE of him.
Gutey has created the depth and roster to chase the Lombardi this year, and I can’t wait to see how Colby and Devonte continue to hold down that interior as we get deeper into the season.
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The post Packers New Interior Duo Wyatt & Wooden Have Leveled Up first appeared on PackersTalk.com Blog Posts and Podcasts.