Georgia’s Nazir Stackhouse Named Most Likely Undrafted Free Agent to Make Green Bay Packers Roster After Impressing in Training Camp Battles.

In the world of NFL training camps, undrafted free agents often begin as long shots. But for former Georgia defensive lineman Nazir Stackhouse, the odds are quickly tilting in his favor. As training camp unfolds in Green Bay, the 6-foot-3, 320-pound Stackhouse has emerged as the top candidate among the Packers’ undrafted rookies to make the team’s final 53-man roster.

And it’s not just media buzz or offseason hype. According to coaches and teammates, Stackhouse is earning it the hard way — by stacking days of consistent performance, displaying maturity beyond his rookie status, and showing flashes of game-ready impact on the defensive front.

A Bulldog Mentality

Stackhouse, a four-year contributor at the University of Georgia, helped anchor the defensive line of one of college football’s most dominant defenses during back-to-back national championship runs. While he didn’t generate the sack numbers of some flashier edge rushers, Stackhouse’s ability to clog interior gaps, command double teams, and control the run game was a cornerstone of Georgia’s physical identity.

Despite his impressive SEC resume, Stackhouse went undrafted in April — a surprise to many evaluators.

“I know I can play,” Stackhouse said after a recent training camp practice. “Whether you’re drafted or not, you’ve still got to prove it every day. That’s what I came here to do.”

His chip-on-the-shoulder attitude is resonating in Green Bay’s locker room. Head coach Matt LaFleur praised the rookie’s approach.

“Nazir’s been a pro since Day One,” LaFleur said. “He understands leverage, he plays with power, and he’s constantly absorbing information. You can tell he played at a high level in college — the moment isn’t too big for him.”

Impressing in the Trenches

The Packers’ defensive front is undergoing a youth movement, with recent draft picks and free agents competing for rotational spots behind established veterans like Kenny Clark and Devonte Wyatt. That has opened the door for someone like Stackhouse to shine.

During team drills, he’s routinely held his ground against the first-team offensive line. In 1-on-1s, his blend of power and hand technique has made him a tough out for interior blockers. And in goal-line packages, he’s shown the kind of immovable presence that Green Bay’s defense has lacked at times.

“I’m here to stop the run and control the line of scrimmage,” Stackhouse said. “That’s my game. If I can collapse the pocket, that’s a bonus. But it starts with discipline and strength.”

That kind of interior reliability is especially valuable in the NFC North, where teams like the Lions and Bears are committed to physical, downhill rushing attacks.

Special Teams Value

One of the overlooked elements that could push Stackhouse over the roster bubble is his willingness to contribute on special teams — an area where many rookies solidify their NFL spots.

Special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia mentioned Stackhouse by name during a media session, praising his attitude and hustle.

“You don’t always get 320-pounders who sprint down the field and stay in their lane,” Bisaccia said. “Naz has been a sponge. He wants to help any way he can.”

Stackhouse said he knows the quickest way to earn respect is by doing the dirty work.

“I told Coach Bisaccia: put me anywhere,” he said. “Kick return, field goal block, punt team — whatever. I’m here to play football.”

Overcoming the Undrafted Stigma

Despite his college pedigree, Stackhouse faces the same uphill battle all undrafted players confront. He receives fewer reps than high-round draft picks, less margin for error, and minimal financial investment from the team. But he’s letting his performance speak louder than his draft status.

“Nazir doesn’t carry himself like a guy who went undrafted,” said Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. “He carries himself like someone who belongs — and more importantly, he plays like it.”

Veteran lineman Kenny Clark has taken Stackhouse under his wing, helping him fine-tune techniques and study film. Clark knows what it takes to succeed in the league — and he believes Stackhouse has “starter potential” with the right development.

“You can’t teach his size or his IQ,” Clark said. “If he keeps learning and keeps grinding, he’s going to have a long NFL career.”

What Analysts Are Saying

National analysts have taken notice of Stackhouse’s camp rise. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah recently named him one of his “Top 5 UDFAs to Watch,” noting his positional versatility and big-game experience.

“Stackhouse wasn’t a combine darling, but the tape doesn’t lie,” Jeremiah said. “He plays with great leverage, great awareness, and understands how to fit within a scheme. Those guys stick around.”

Packers beat writer Matt Schneidman of The Athletic called Stackhouse “the most NFL-ready UDFA in Green Bay’s class,” pointing to his consistent camp effort and praise from coaches.

“The Packers love high-IQ players who play with toughness. That’s Stackhouse in a nutshell,” Schneidman wrote.

Looking Ahead: Final Preseason Tests

As the preseason approaches its final stretch, Stackhouse remains focused on one thing: proving he deserves to stay.

“These next games are huge,” he said. “I’m treating every snap like it could be the one that gets me a job.”

He’ll likely get extended action in the final two preseason games, especially as Green Bay begins resting starters in preparation for Week 1. Coaches will want to see how he handles real-game tempo and adjusts on the fly.

If Stackhouse continues to hold his own — or even dominate — his chances of making the team could shift from “possible” to “probable.”

“I just want to show I can be trusted,” Stackhouse said. “Trusted to do my job, play hard, and help this team win.”

What His Rise Means for Green Bay

If Stackhouse makes the roster, it will mark another successful undrafted find for Packers GM Brian Gutekunst, whose front office has a strong track record with UDFAs — including starters like cornerback Rasul Douglas and linebacker Krys Barnes (before his departure).

Stackhouse’s presence could allow Green Bay to keep their defensive line rotation fresher and more physical. He’d also give them another cost-controlled player who fits their long-term developmental philosophy.

And perhaps just as importantly, his emergence reinforces the idea that in Green Bay, no matter where you’re drafted — or not drafted at all — talent and work ethic still win out.

Nazir Stackhouse’s journey is far from over, but it’s gaining steam. From a dominant force in the SEC to a camp standout in Wisconsin, he’s proving he belongs on an NFL roster. And if the signs from Green Bay’s training camp continue to hold true, the former Bulldog could soon call Lambeau Field home.

He may not have heard his name called on draft night, but by the time Week 1 rolls around, he just might hear it echo through the tunnel — as part of the Packers’ starting lineup.