As the Green Bay Packers gear up for their crucial postseason matchup against the New York Jets this Saturday, the spotlight falls on several players competing to secure their positions on the team’s roster. One player under significant scrutiny is defensive lineman Colby Wooden, a fourth-round draft pick from the 2023 NFL Draft.
Wooden, selected with the 116th overall pick, has so far not lived up to the expectations that typically accompany a fourth-round selection. Despite his promising versatility—initially thought to allow him to play multiple positions—he has primarily played at the tackle position. Given his weight of 275 pounds, which is often considered on the lighter side for an interior defender in the NFL, his role has drawn some debate. His athleticism, demonstrated by a 4.79 speed, hasn’t translated into consistent playing time during his first two seasons.
Over the course of 30 games spanning the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Wooden has managed a modest tally of 37 total tackles, three tackles for loss, four quarterback hits, and only half a sack. His performance metrics highlight his struggles; he posted a 58.2 overall PFF grade as a rookie, ranking 105th among defensive linemen, which worsened to 47.8—placing him 159th—during his second season.
With coach Matt LaFleur watching closely, Wooden’s position on the depth chart appears increasingly precarious. The starting tackle roles seem locked in by Kenny Clark and Devonte Wyatt, with Karl Brooks set to be the primary substitute. Competition is steep, especially with undrafted rookie Nazir Stackhouse making an impression and taking significant snaps during training camp. The Packers have a notable track record of including undrafted rookies on their final roster, implying that Stackhouse is poised to continue this tradition.
If current evaluations reflected the final roster decisions, Wooden could find himself struggling to secure a spot, potentially facing competition even from sixth-round rookie Warren Brinson. With just three preseason games remaining to make an impact, Wooden will need to deliver standout performances in each game to bolster his chances of remaining with the team.
As the roster decisions loom, there’s hope for Wooden to leverage his athleticism and versatility in these upcoming matchups. If he can demonstrate his capability to adapt and deliver when it counts, he may still carve out a role on the team, reinforcing the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the competitive world of the NFL.