The Green Bay Packers have historically given real chances for undrafted rookies , and this part of the appeal to grab priority UDFAs. One of those examples in 2025 is off-ball linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson, who played three seasons at Georgia before transferring to Kentucky for his final college season.
NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein, for example, graded him with a sixth/seventh-round projection, but nobody grabbed him in the draft. Good for the Packers, who signed him to a three-year deal. Now, the rookie will have a shot at competing for a roster spot throughout training camp.
At the college level, Dumas-Johnson had 192 tackles (25 tackles for loss), 13 sacks, two interceptions, and one touchdown. That ability to pressure quarterbacks is something relevant for Jeff Hafley's scheme, even though Dumas-Johnson probably doesn't have the athletic level to be a three-down backer early on.
Jamon Dumas-Johnson is considered an excellent run-stuffer. He had 97 stops throughout his college career, including 26 last year. Pass coverage is his main weakness, but his passer rating when targeted went down from 102.9 to 96.6 in 2024.
"With his quick trigger downhill, Dumas-Johnson sees the field well as a run defender and comes to balance on the move to avoid blockers or make stops. However, he doesn’t have the explosiveness to be a true sideline-to-sideline chaser and will be targeted in man coverage by dynamic backs and tight ends. Overall, Dumas-Johnson is sound in his run fits and competes with a confident, physical edge, but he will need to prove he won’t be a liability in coverage to see significant defensive snaps. He has the skill set of a potential role player and special-teamer." — Dane Brugler on The Athletic's The Beast.
The Packers have a solid starting trio at linebacker with Edgerrin Cooper, Quay Walker, and Isaiah McDuffie. But because Eric Wilson left in free agency, the team is still looking for depth options that can play a backup defensive role and be effective special teamers. This is exactly what Jamon Dumas-Johnson can be.
There will be real competition, though. The Packers signed two external free agents at the position this offseason, adding former top 10 pick Isaiah Simmons and bringing back special teams ace Kristian Welch. However, the combination of age and cheap contract is enticing, and training camp will be a huge opportunity for the rookie to show his real value.
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