{"id":768536,"date":"2026-02-22T08:48:24","date_gmt":"2026-02-22T08:48:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/768536\/"},"modified":"2026-02-22T08:48:24","modified_gmt":"2026-02-22T08:48:24","slug":"5-options-to-fill-green-bays-kenny-clark-absence-on-defense","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/768536\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Options To Fill Green Bay’s Kenny Clark Absence On Defense"},"content":{"rendered":"

Earlier in the Green Bay Packers\u2019 offseason, I looked at<\/a> how the Packers should allocate their resources to fill their three biggest holes. Now we are deeper into the offseason and have more clarity on everything, including coaching staffs, potential cut and trade candidates, and who has declared for the draft. Now I will consider how Green Bay could allocate those resources based on the parameters I set.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Last week, we started<\/a> with cornerback, and now we are looking at the interior defensive line. The parameters I set a few weeks ago were: Given the timing of the Micah Parsons<\/a> trade<\/a>, the Green Bay Packers never truly got the chance to replace Kenny Clark<\/a>. <\/p>\n

That\u2019s what this offseason will be about. Therefore, I will be looking for a starter next to Devonte Wyatt<\/a>. However, I\u2019m not looking for just any guy. I am looking for a massive guy who can primarily play nose tackle.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s easier to find a starter at interior defensive line on day two of the draft than corner, especially when the Packers have Wyatt as their No. 1 interior guy. Therefore, I\u2019m more open to seeking a starter in the draft than I was at corner. However, I\u2019m open to looking everywhere and would prefer that the Packers make a big splash in free agency or trade at DT to fill the hole at the interior of the defensive line.<\/p>\n

Trade<\/p>\n

T\u2019Vondre Sweat<\/a><\/p>\n

I\u2019m not going to spend too much time on Tennessee Titans nose tackle T\u2019Vondre Sweat, but Andy Herman brought him up on a recent pod<\/a>, and I love it as a fit. He was mentioned in trade discussions<\/a> at the deadline, and Robert Saleh\u2019s defense doesn\u2019t typically use a massive interior defensive lineman, so talks could heat up again.\u00a0<\/p>\n

However, I think it\u2019s unlikely Green Bay would trade another pick, likely a Day 2 selection, when they already don\u2019t have their first. Still, Sweat would be the exact type of player you\u2019d love to get out of a Day 2 pick. The issue is that he becomes expensive much faster. The player makes a lot of sense for Green Bay, but the financials make it tough.<\/p>\n

T’Vondre Sweat (listed 6’4″, 366 lb.) rumblin with the football and even throws in a stiff arm and a nifty cut pic.twitter.com\/3KqGoWezUa<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) June 3, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Free Agency<\/p>\n

Calais Campbell<\/a><\/p>\n

When the Packers hired<\/a> Jonathan Gannon, Campbell became the obvious solution to Green Bay\u2019s hole at interior linebacker. Campbell played under Gannon last season and, at 39, was still productive<\/a> in 2025.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Green Bay doesn\u2019t typically pursue veteran mercenaries in free agency, but Campbell is an obvious fit at a position of need. You always run the risk of a player Campbell\u2019s age falling off a cliff, but he feels ageless at this point. His current projected AAV<\/a> is $10.9 million.<\/p>\n

Khyiris Tonga<\/a><\/p>\n

Tonga is another player with a connection to Gannon. Tonga played for the Arizona Cardinals in 2024. While still a bit older at age 29, he fits much better into Green Bay\u2019s free-agent archetype than Campbell. He\u2019s a 6\u20194\u201d, 338 lb. monster that can eat space and give some pass-rush juice (74.3 PFF pass-rush grade<\/a> in 2025).\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Packers would be Tonga\u2019s third stop in the NFC North. He has a projected market value<\/a> of only $3.1 million. He feels like a logical fit between the connection with Gannon, the production, the reasonable price tag, his age, and Green Bay\u2019s need at the position.<\/p>\n

Draft<\/p>\n

Lee Hunter<\/a> \u2013 Texas Tech<\/p>\n

Lee Hunter<\/a> is currently the leading candidate<\/a> for the Packers fan base\u2019s defensive draft crush<\/a>. Hunter was a key part of Texas Tech\u2019s extremely productive defensive line. He would instantly join the competition to start next to Wyatt, and at 6\u20194\u201d, 330 lbs., it would make a lot of sense as a complement to Wyatt.\u00a0<\/p>\n

As we get closer to draft day, Hunter could rise out of Green Bay\u2019s range. He\u2019s 35th on the consensus big board<\/a> after being 55th following Texas Tech\u2019s final game on January 1. With the way things are trending, the Packers are going to need some luck on their side, but if he\u2019s there at 52, I\u2019d run up the card and not think twice.<\/p>\n

Lee Hunter = Pat Williams <\/p>\n

One of my favorite prospects this year and comparisons of this cycle. Hunter is a strong pocket pusher that has high levels of power to remain firm in his gap vs. the run. <\/p>\n

He was the hub of that Texas Tech defense. pic.twitter.com\/o4NG3aC9tV<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) February 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Domonique Orange<\/a> \u2013 Iowa State<\/p>\n

Big Citrus has the best nickname in the class because not only is it hilarious, but at 6\u20194\u201d 325 lbs., he is literally a giant space-eating orange in the middle of the defensive line. He can even drop into coverage a bit, which I know Packers fans love seeing our defensive linemen do.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Everyone talks about Dominique Orange’s run stuffing ability but I never see anyone talking about his zone coverage ability pic.twitter.com\/jA36U44F2H<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Steve Letizia (@CFCBears) December 13, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Orange would be the perfect complement to Devonte Wyatt<\/a> on Day 2 of the draft. He\u2019s currently ranked 74th on the consensus big board.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Finding a starter next to Wyatt and a big boy for Gannon in the middle of this defense will be key for Green Bay to get the most out of it. The options are slimmer than you\u2019d like, but some obvious fits would make a massive difference for this team.<\/p>\n

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