What to Know: Packers sign former XFL CB Elijah Hamilton

The Green Bay Packers had several players in for workouts and Monday, and according to his Instagram page, the team has signed former XFL cornerback Elijah Hamilton.

Hamilton went undrafted in 2022 out of Louisiana Tech, where he played one season after spending his first four at Vanderbilt. Hamilton stands 6’1”, weighs 209 pounds, and posted a Relative Athletic Score of 8.79 during the 2022 pre-draft process.

He was a relatively inexperienced defensive player in college, totaling 567 career snaps, according to PFF, with most coming in his final two seasons. In 2021, Hamilton played 227 defensive snaps, most of which came on the boundary. There he allowed just 10 completions on 22 targets at 16.3 yards per catch with a pass breakup. He made 16 of 18 tackle attempts and it’s also important to note that he was a very experienced special teams player, with nearly 700 career snaps.

Prior to the 2022 NFL Draft, Tony Pauline had this to say about Hamilton’s game in his scouting report:

"“Vanderbilt transfer with the size and speed to play at the next level. Best in a straight line, flashes speed, and has a closing burst. Works well with teammates.“"

Hamilton has no NFL snaps, but has spent time with Miami. Most recently he was in the XFL with the St. Louis Battlehawks for the 2023 season. In coverage, he allowed 13 completions on 25 targets at 14.2 yards per catch with two pass breakups. He made 11 of his 13 tackle opportunities and played 36 special teams snaps.

In a very talented cornerback room, Hamilton’s ceiling in his short time with the Packers as they prepare for their final preseason game this week is going to be the practice squad. Innis Gaines has not practiced in two weeks with a quad injury, while Corey Ballentine has been sidelined since the Cincinnati game.

In addition to signing Hamilton, the Packers also reportedly signed linebacker Marvin Pierre, according to SI’s Bill Huber. You can read more on Pierre here.

With these two additions, the Packers will have to do some roster maneuvering with them currently at the 90 player maximum. One roster spot could be created by moving Tyler Davis to season-ending IR. He suffered an ACL injury against Cincinnati. The other opening will have to be created through a roster cut or injury designation for someone currently sidelined.

There are three practices and one game left in the preseason for the Green Bay Packers.