Packers sign former first-round pick defender as a reclamation project
The Green Bay Packers will try to rebuild the career of a former first-round pick. On Tuesday, the team announced the signing of linebacker Jamin Davis, the 19th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, to the practice squad. Davis is a versatile defender. He was drafted as an off-ball linebacker by the Washington Commanders […]
The Green Bay Packers will try to rebuild the career of a former first-round pick. On Tuesday, the team announced the signing of linebacker Jamin Davis, the 19th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, to the practice squad.
Davis is a versatile defender. He was drafted as an off-ball linebacker by the Washington Commanders and played primarily as such in his first three seasons in the league. Even though he slightly progressed throughout his career, he failed to reach the expectations.
This year, with a new coaching staff led by Dan Quinn, the Commanders moved Jamin Davis to defensive end to play as an edge rusher. He played 86 defensive snaps in 2024, 85 of which as an edge rusher, but the Commanders released him. The Packers are listing Jamin Davis as a linebacker, so the expectation is that he will play off the ball.
Davis' PFF grades have progressively improved in the NFL, though his sample size was limited as he lost space on the roster. This year, it was 71.2 for the Commanders — including 79.0 run defense and 78.1 tackling. Last year, it was 67.6. His worst trait is coverage, which is significant for a linebacker in today's NFL, but he can be a situational player.
The Packers have Quay Walker, Edgerrin Cooper, Eric Wilson, Isaiah McDuffie, and Ty'Ron Hopper on the 53-man roster. So Jamin Davis' addition to the practice squad is more about the future and how much he can revitalize his career. Davis is 25 years old.
As a corresponding move, the Packers released fellow linebacker Chris Russell from the practice squad.
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