On Tuesday afternoon, the Green Bay Packers announced that linebacker Austin Ajiake has been added to the practice squad. What you should know is as follows.
The Packers have an opening on the practice squad this past Saturday after adding safety Innis Gaines from the practice squad to the 53-man roster. Gaines’ return to Green Bay seems unlikely with the arrival of Ajiake.
After graduating from UNLV this past spring, Ajiake joined with Carolina and later played for Las Vegas before going undrafted. At 6’1″ and 223 pounds, he had an outstanding Relative Athletic Score of 7.84 out of 10, which included a timing of 4.6 seconds for the 40-yard sprint.
Ajiake played 1,423 snaps in his collegiate career, the majority of which were in his final two seasons. Specifically in 2022, Jones registered 11 quarterback pressures. He was also a highly effective run defense and tackler. Ajiake made 120 of his 133 tackle attempts that season, according to PFF, and was 17th among all linebackers in run defense tackles.
He gave up two interceptions and 20 completions on 32 targets at 9.5 yards per reception while covering. It’s also crucial to remember that Ajiake participated in 671 special teams snaps over five distinct stages. The field goal kicking team was the only one he didn’t play on frequently.
Check out what NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein had to say in his pre-draft report for further details on Ajiake’s skills and what the Packers may expect from him:
“Ajiake is quick, explosive, and nimble despite his lack of ideal size. He frequently attacks the play too passively, but when he takes the initiative, positive things frequently happen. Since he will never be very good at taking on blocks, it will be essential for him to learn how to slide blockers and move downhill. Although his athletic profile and track record as a valuable special teams player might lead to a professional roster, he is better suited in a chase-and-hit role as an outside linebacker in a 4-3 defense.
There are presently five linebackers on the 53-man roster for the Packers: Eric Wilson, Kristian Welch, Isaiah McDuffie, Quay Walker, and De’Vondre Campbell. Christian Young and Ajiake are the two linebackers on the practice squad.
Ajiake ticks two boxes that we know are crucial to the Packers: his general athleticism and his collegiate experience on special teams. It’s also possible that as an undrafted rookie they wanted to sign, Brian Gutekunst and the scouting staff had their sights set on him. Ajiake will play practice squad duty this season because to the depth of players on the 53 at linebacker, both defensively and on special teams.
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