Packers Pass on Plumb But Local Star Gets Another Chance

The grandson of Fritz Shurmur, the defensive coordinator for the Packers’ Super Bowl XXXI championship team, did not get signed after trying out at Green Bay’s rookie camp.

Author:
Bill Huber
Updated:
May 7, 2023 9:57 PM EDT
Original:
May 7, 2023

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Green Bay Packers

GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Green Bay Packers invited 14 undrafted free agents to their rookie camp as tryout players.

For some players, not getting signed after the practices on Friday and Saturday means the end of the line to their NFL dreams. For others, one closed door means another is open.

Such is the case for Jack Plumb. Plumb, who played tight end at nearby Bay Port High School and started 14 games at right tackle at the University of Iowa, was not signed by the Packers. But he’ll get another chance at the Atlanta Falcons’ rookie camp next weekend.

“Jack did a nice job out there,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said on Saturday. “I haven't watched the tape from today. It's fun when you get into some of these settings, like Steno [offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich] called all the plays. I just kind of sat back and try to watch just how guys broke the huddle, their urgency, getting lined up, the way they communicate with one another and then the effort that they gave.

“I'll go back and kind of look at more of the technique stuff and assignment-based things that we always look for as soon as we're done here.”

As a team captain as a senior at Bay Port, which is located about 10 miles from Lambeau Field, Plumb caught five passes for 85 yards. He spent five seasons with the Hawkeyes.

“Guns a blazing, nothing to lose right now,” he told Green Bay’s WLUK-TV before the camp. “Will say there is a little nerves. Growing up, dreamed about playing for the Packers and now I have an opportunity to make that dream come true.”

Liberty safety Javon Scruggs didn’t sign, either, but will get an opportunity with the Buffalo Bills next weekend. So will Notre Dame linebacker Justin Ademilola.

UMass running back Ellis Merriweather will get another shot next weekend with the New Orleans Saints.

The Packers started the weekend with 88 players, meaning they had room to add two. They signed one player, cornerback William Hooper.