Packers Sign Former First-Round Pick Linebacker From NFC Contender

The Green Bay Packers are currently 6-2 on the season and are in the thick of the hunt for the NFC North crown. The team has been playing complementary football on both sides of the ball. However, there is always room for improvement.

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The Packers have signed former first-round pick linebacker Jamin Davis, who most recently played for the Washington Commanders.

Davis was recently released by the Commanders on Oct. 22, and now he gets a chance to play for another NFC contender in the Packers.

Davis was initially drafted by the Commanders at No. 19 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Kentucky. The young linebacker had impressed while playing for the Wildcats between the 2017 and 2020 seasons.

During his time at Kentucky, Davis brought in 68 solo tackles, 2.5 sacks, three interceptions, and one forced fumble. He also posted a 4.47-second 40-yard dash while at Kentucky's Pro Day.

Davis would go on to start eight games in his rookie season, along with securing 48 solo tackles, one pass defended, one interception, and three tackles for loss. He would follow that up with a strong 2022 season, securing 68 solo tackles, three sacks, and nine tackles for loss.

Despite Davis securing three sacks in his last two seasons, the Commanders chose to move him to the defensive end position in 2024. The move might have been what caused Davis' dip in production, as he has only secured eight tackles and one tackle for loss through five games.

Oftentimes players can outgrow certain systems, or they are passed over by younger more dynamic players. Either way, Davis has been signed by the Packers just days after being released by the Commanders.

Davis now joins one of the best teams in the NFC, as the Packers are currently 6-2 on the season and a game behind the first-place Detroit Lions. The young linebacker also has a chance to learn from defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.

Hafley joined the Packers as defensive coordinator after serving as the head coach for Boston from 2020 to 2023. According to Fox Sports, the Packers are ranked No. 15 in the NFL in terms of overall defense.

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The Packers' defense ranks No. 19 in passing yards allowed, with 215.8 yards per game. They are also ranked No. 10 in rushing defense, giving up 111.6 yards per game on the ground.

Though Davis might be viewed in a negative light as he was just released, he has a chance to rebound his 2024 numbers with a solid NFL defense.

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