The Packers didn't seek a replacement for Devonte Wyatt when adding a DT

The Green Bay Packers recently added defensive tackle Jordon Riley, sparking questions about how the team plans to compensate for the likely season-ending absence of starter Devonte Wyatt, who suffered an ankle injury in last weeks win over the Detroit Lions.

Wyatt serves as the Packers starting three-technique undertackle, typically lining up in the B-gap between guard and tackle. Other players on the roster who can play this position include Karl Brooks and rookie Warren Brinson.

In contrast, Jordon Riley, formerly with the New York Giants, primarily played nose tackle, positioning himself in the A-gap between the center and guard. Nose tackles generally focus on absorbing double teams, unlike three-technique undertackles who engage one-on-one with guards in both run and pass situations. At his 2023 pro day, Riley weighed 338 pounds, fitting the classic nose tackle profile.

Rileys addition is therefore not a direct replacement for Wyatt. Instead, he provides competition for Colby Wooden and Nazir Stackhouse at nose tackle, with Brinson and Brooks also capable of rotating to that spot in certain situations.

Wyatts playing time will likely be distributed among Brooks, Brinson, and defensive ends sliding inside on passing downs, rather than Riley stepping into his role. The Packers decision to add Riley in December, when roster options are limited, appears aimed at strengthening the interior defensive line rather than filling Wyatts exact position.

At 27 years old, Riley will become a restricted free agent at the end of the 2025 season if he remains on the active roster, as he will have accrued three NFL seasons. His addition consumes valuable roster space, especially as the Packers have also activated practice window opportunities for receiver Jayden Reed, running back MarShawn Lloyd, and defensive ends Collin Oliver and Brenton Cox Jr.

Ultimately, this move seems designed to provide immediate depth at nose tackle and potentially challenge Stackhouse for playing time, rather than serve as a direct replacement for Wyatt.

Author: Logan Reeves