The Packers keep finding ways to win.
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur | Perry Knotts/GettyImages
Brian Gutekunst openly said his plan was to add more draft picks than the Green Bay Packers’ initial eight. He failed in that mission but found another way.
The Packers made eight selections during the three-day event but wasted no time strengthening the roster once it was over. Gutekunst added further depth in undrafted free agency, and two names stand out.
Georgia defensive lineman Nazir Stackhouse and Kentucky linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson should’ve been drafted but weren’t. The Packers signed both immediately after the draft.
“Getting Georgia NT Nazir Stackhouse and Kentucky LB Jamon Dumas-Johnson as UDFAs makes this feel like a 10-player draft class for the Packers,” writes Zach Kruse of Packers Wire.
It’s hard to disagree with that assessment.
NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein projected that Stackhouse would go in Rounds 5-6, and he believed that Dumas-Johnson would also get drafted on Day 3.
Both players can help the Packers’ defense.
Packers add valuable defensive depth with smart Nazir Stackhouse and Jamon Dumas-Johnson signings
Stackhouse was among the best undrafted free agents available. He doesn’t offer much as an interior pass-rusher but is a strong run defender who can play at nose tackle. It’s an area the Packers need help after losing T.J. Slaton in free agency, and Stackhouse could earn snaps as a backup this season.
Dumas-Johnson played alongside Stackhouse in Georgia before transferring to Kentucky last season. He made 9.5 sacks across three seasons for the Bulldogs before adding 3.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss in 2024. He is unlikely to land a featured role on defense any time soon, especially with concerns in coverage, but Dumas-Johnson has a clear path to the 53-man roster and can contribute as a backup.
The Packers need linebacker depth to efficiently run Jeff Hafley’s 4-3 system, which is why they have shown interest in signing former first-round pick Isaiah Simmons.
Day 3 of the draft is all about value. It’s rare to find stars or even quality starters, but adding depth pieces who can contribute is where teams win.
It didn’t matter that the Packers only had eight selections. Kruse is right — by adding Stackhouse and Dumas-Johnson, this feels more like a 10-player class.
