Two Packers UDFAs Secure 2025 Roster Spots After Standout Rookie Minicamp
The Green Bay Packers’ rookie minicamp proved to be a defining moment for two undrafted free agents (UDFAs), Nazir Stackhouse and Jamon Johnson, who have clinched spots on the 2025 53-man roster. With T.J. Slaton’s departure in free agency and a shallow linebacker depth chart, Stackhouse’s run-stopping dominance and Johnson’s versatility have cemented their roles in a defense eyeing a Super Bowl push, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Nazir Stackhouse, a 23-year-old defensive tackle from Georgia, stepped up to fill a critical gap at nose tackle. Standing at 6’3” and weighing 320 pounds, Stackhouse started 42 consecutive games for the Bulldogs, contributing to two NCAA National Championships (2022, 2023). His college stats—96 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and a standout 43-yard interception return against Missouri in 2023—showcase his rare combination of strength and agility. During minicamp, Stackhouse’s upper body power and gap discipline shone, anchoring against double-teams in Jeff Hafley’s 4-3 scheme. “Stackhouse is a space-eater,” GM Brian Gutekunst told The Green Bay Press-Gazette. “He’s ready to compete with Kenny Clark.”
Jamon Johnson, a 23-year-old linebacker from Kentucky, brings a blend of pedigree and tenacity. A 2022 All-American at Georgia before transferring, Johnson recorded 67 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and a fumble return touchdown in 2024. His 4.60-second 40-yard dash and 235-pound frame make him a perfect fit for run defense and special teams. At minicamp, Johnson’s hard-hitting tackles and flashes of coverage ability earned high praise from head coach Matt LaFleur. “Jamon’s energy is contagious,” LaFleur said. He’s set to back up Quay Walker and Edgerrin Cooper while strengthening the special teams unit.
With only $6.8 million in cap space and limited defensive draft picks, the Packers leaned heavily on UDFAs to bolster their roster. Stackhouse fills the void left by Slaton, who was a key run-stopper in 2024, while Johnson adds depth to a thin linebacker corps. “They’re high-upside gems,” NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah noted. “Both embody Green Bay’s physical identity.”
Stackhouse and Johnson outperformed other UDFA competitors, such as cornerbacks Johnathan Baldwin and Tyron Herring, capitalizing on their college accolades and minicamp dominance. Though they face pressure to perform in the competitive NFC North, their championship pedigrees and relentless work ethic position them for immediate impact, following in the footsteps of Packers UDFA legends like Sam Shields.
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