As the college football season barrels toward, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Jamon Dumas-Johnson.

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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jamon Dumas-Johnson

Jamon Dumas-Johnson (LB – Georgia)

6’1″ – 245 lbs.

Background:

Four-star recruit who rotated into the defense as a freshman, posting 21-2.5-2.0 before taking over a starting role the following year, one in which he posted 70-9.0-4.0. Fractured his forearm against Missouri and has missed a few games due to the injury as of the time of writing; his production has dipped a bit as well.

Positives:

Essentially a two-year starter for one of college football’s premier programs. Has added about 20 pounds of bulk in school and possesses a thick build for a modern linebacker. Physical, energetic downhill thumper who accelerates quickly but avoids committing too early. Keeps his shoulders square and plays with discipline when defending the run between the tackles. Shows the ability to get extension and play off of blocks. Lateral quickness to shuffle and find lanes to the ball carrier is above average for his size. Generates some thudding impact as a tackler to help set the tone defensively. Able to identify releases into the flats and closes quickly when working from zone. Frequently used as a pass-rusher, and shows some explosive traits in that capacity; actually able to generate some push against interior linemen with his bull rush, and can overwhelm running backs. Closes fast once he finds a lane, and looks like a good finisher. Gets his hands up to contest passing lanes.

Negatives:

Junior season wasn’t quite as productive as his sophomore year, even before going down. More of a phone-booth linebacker who doesn’t have the most range and can look like he’s taking it easy at times. A bit inconsistent as a tackler, missing over 15% of his attempts in each of the past two years. May not have the range and fluidity to handle more than limited zone coverage responsibilities. Forearm injury will be inspected during the pre-draft process.

Summary:

An explosive downhill thumper who had additional value as a blitzer on passing downs, he defends the inside run well, showing the ability to flow toward the ball, work through traffic and help set the tone defensively. May never be the rangiest linebacker or the best cover man, but appears pretty well-suited to play inside linebacker on a physical, odd front. Draft stock may have taken a bit of a hit this season when he got injured after a comparatively slow season. However, could still end up coming off the board in the mid-rounds in a linebacker class that isn’t particularly loaded with talent.

Projection: Round 5