The Green Bay Packers have a unique streak going right now. Every season for the last 20 seasons, the Packers have had at least one undrafted free agent rookie make the opening 53-man roster.
Defensive tackle Nazir Stackhouse is on course to keep that incredible run going.
Last year, the streak was in danger before the team signed kicker Brayden Narveson just before heading to Brazil to play Philadelphia. The year before, it was Emanuel Wilson, who made headlines with his thunderous runs, and could not be denied a spot with Green Bay.
While last year was a photo finish to keep the streak going, it seems a lot clearer this summer. Fans and media alike have taken a shine to Stackhouse, who has wowed those attending Packers practices. Even more incredibly, this has translated from the shells practices into the padded practices, showing that this guy can be the real deal for this team.
Packers rookie DT Nazir Stackhouse should make the 53-man roster
Plain and simple, Stackhouse should make this team. Another former Georgia Bulldog on this defense would fill a massive role for Green Bay. With Georgia, Stackhouse was a two-time second-team All-SEC, but he went undrafted this spring. The Packers inked Stackhouse to a deal pretty quickly after the draft.
"He's earning more and more opportunities. I think at some point, we're going to have to see him get in there versus our [No. 1 offense]," said head coach Matt LaFleur.
Stackhouse is a run-stuffer. At 6-foot-4 and 326 pounds, he has quickly filled the massive hole left by TJ Slaton, who signed with the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency. Coincidentally, Stackhouse wears the same number 93 and provides that same early-down presence. It can be tough to judge defensive linemen without having official stats to reference, but Stackhouse is passing the eye test.
Stackhouse has earned the nickname "Big Sleepy," a joke that he has since embraced as he continues to battle narcolepsy. It's something that may have hindered him in college, with more limited resources, as he had been caught dozing off in games. Coaches had to find ways to keep him active during practices and meetings. Friends and teammates may have thought he was lazy.
Now, on a new medication that required NFL approval, the rookie is ready to go. He has access to the Packers' shuttle service, should he choose to use it. His college teammate, Warren Brinson, Green Bay's sixth-round pick, is here with him, and they both are looking to make a splash.
Make no mistake about it, though: do not sleep on Nazir Stackhouse. He is ready to make an impact with the Packers.