Nazir Stackhouse Looks Like Green Bay's Next Celebrated UDFA

Brian Gutekunst has a fondness for defensive players from the University of Georgia. It's surprising if a draft goes by and Gutekunst doesn't select a player from that program to keep the “G” on their helmet.

That tradition continued in 2025, with the Green Bay Packers selecting Georgia defensive tackle Warren Brinson in the sixth round. However, it's an undrafted Georgia player making headlines this summer, with UDFA defensive tackle Nazir Stackhouse seemingly making headlines with every practice.

Many analysts were surprised the former Bulldog went undrafted, because Stackhouse was generally seen as a fifth- or sixth-round option. The rest of the league passing on Stackhouse may be Green Bay's blessing, with Stackhouse continuing to impress his coaches and move up the depth chart.

The Packers have a long history of having an undrafted free agent on their initial 53-man roster, and Stackhouse is having one hell of an interview process. Is there room on the initial roster for the promising defensive lineman?

Jeff Hafley schemed up excitement in his first year as defensive coordinator. Still, it's fair to say the defensive line was undercooked, especially in the pass-rush department.

Unfortunately, Stackhouse doesn't elevate that particular weakness. Stackhouse only had three sacks in five seasons with Georgia. He had seven pressures in 2024 (including postseason), which isn't much to write home about.

However, Stackhouse shines as a run-blocker. At 6'4”, 327 lbs., and with a low center of gravity, Stackhouse is a dominant force against the run.

Pass rushers get the hype, and it's an area where the Packers must improve. Still, being stout against the run is just as crucial. We've seen a bit of a renaissance for running backs last season, and teams will run the ball to wear out a defense until they prove they can stop it. Unfortunately, we recall teams running all over the Packers in the postseason. No one wants to live through another 2019 NFCCG, even if that isn't the most painful postseason exit.

The Packers were actually good against the run in 2024. Even with some of their best players regressing or dealing with injuries, the run defense was stout and looked much better than the pass rush.

But a big part of that was T.J. Slaton, the former fifth-round pick who made his name in Green Bay as the team's best run-stuffer. Slaton started in every game in 2023 and 2024 and was a major component of the team's improved run defense.

However, the Cincinnati Bengals signed Slaton in the offseason, so he's probably not going to help the Packers much anymore. While Kenny Clark and Devonte Wyatt will be the starting interior duo, that role as a two-down run-stopping nose tackle is wide open. And it appears that even at this early stage, Stackhouse might be the best option for the role, especially given his current price.

We don't want to overhype a rookie for looking good against third-string players. Still, Stackhouse has made enough plays to move up the pre-season depth chart and continue looking solid.

It didn't take long for Stackhouse to get more work with the second-team defense, with Matt LaFleur lauding his play and wanting to offer the defensive lineman more opportunities.

"Yeah, he's done a really nice job," LaFleur said. "He's earning more and more opportunities. I think at some point we're going to have to see him in there against the ones."

LaFleur was true to his word and gave Stackhouse a few snaps with the ones, giving Clark and Wyatt a nice break and Stackhouse a chance to show what he's learned.

"[stackhouse has] been stacking days each and every day at camp," fellow defensive lineman Karl Brooks said. "He’s been improving, getting better. He’s a strong man in the run game, but he’s a good player that’s on the right track right now, and he’s been playing phenomenal football."

Along with Stackhouse, the Packers also have Clark, Wyatt, Brooks, Colby Wooden, Warren Brinson, James Ester, and Keith Randolph at interior defensive line. The Packers kept five interior defensive linemen last season, with Clark and Wyatt locks. BGSU legend Brooks has developed into a solid player and has taken snaps with the first-team defense, and is close to securing a roster spot. Wooden and Brinson are draft picks, giving them an edge over the competition. It's a tough group to break.

But Stackhouse has the advantage of bringing a completely different skill set to the group. Making a living as a run-stopping nose tackle isn't the most glamorous job, but someone needs to do it. Being able to fill that role against tougher competition reliably is Stackhouse's best path toward the roster.

Even then, if Stackhouse can work on his weaknesses and show something in the pass-rush department, it makes his case much stronger, and it's a challenge he's willing to undertake.

"I gotta be prepared in those moments," Stackhouse said. "When we’re doing two-minute, like I can’t just be lackadaisical on the sideline, I have to always be expecting coach to call my name because they’re not just asking me to stop the run here. They’re asking me to stop the run and do a little bit more to on the defense."

With the first preseason game approaching, we'll get a chance to see Stackhouse in action. He has risen to every challenge and continues to earn more opportunities against higher-level competition. With his willingness to do the dirty work and his unique skill set, he might be the next UDFA hero.