Packers rookie DL Colby Wooden confirms his role on defense
The Green Bay Packers came home with 13 new players after the 2023 NFL Draft concluded, so it's easy to see why it can be hard to keep up with all the action. But one name a lot of people are paying attention to is that of fourth-round pick and former Auburn Tiger, Colby Wooden. […]
The Green Bay Packers came home with 13 new players after the 2023 NFL Draft concluded, so it's easy to see why it can be hard to keep up with all the action.
But one name a lot of people are paying attention to is that of fourth-round pick and former Auburn Tiger, Colby Wooden. Wooden was the first selection on Day 3 and it was abundantly clear why the Packers took him.
For starters, there was a major need for defensive line depth coming into the draft. Secondly, Wooden's versatility is a major asset for a defensive line in Joe Barry's scheme.
"He has the ability to play multiple spots because of his frame, his size, and his athletic ability," Packers assistant director of college scouting Patrick Moore told reporters after Wooden was drafted. "[He can play] multiple gaps, but he's an inside pass rush threat, for sure."
With all the versatility comes questions: The biggest one being where Wooden ultimately plays?
Many assumed he'd do most of his damage on the inside. Wooden's quickness and athleticism are matchup nightmares for opposing guards. But, he also has the size and length to play outside, too. At the end of the day, though, playing him on the inside made the most sense.
Fortunately, that's exactly what the Packers are going to do.
"I was told that I'll be inside," Wooden told reporters Friday. "So, inside is going to be my world, you know, three-technique to four-technique – whatever's asked of me.
"I know that I'm going to be inside. Some downs, I may be outside, but I know for the most part I'll be inside. I'll use my quickness and ability against those guards in order to create mismatches and one-on-one situations."
Having a player like Wooden to come in and give All-Pro defensive lineman Kenny Clark and former first-rounder Devonte Wyatt a break is also big. Hell, Wooden can even fill in for T.J. Slaton, the team's nose tackle, on obvious passing downs. It's all just another reason why his versatility is so key.
Obviously, Wooden has to get to that point, though. The best part, however, is he has someone like Clark to help him get there.
"Definitely watching his film and watching his technique and how good of a technician he is… he's an All-Pro for a reason," said Wooden. "So, just to learn and take bits and nuggets from what he's done. We [also have] Preston Smith. We have plenty of dudes around here that's been there, done that. So, I'm just blessed to come into a situation where I could learn."
Wooden has all the work ethic in the world, so, it should just be a matter of time before we see everything come to fruition. And, if the defensive line can capture the form many thought it should've had in 2022, then we could easily see a much-improved pass rush and defense, as a whole, in 2023.
