Undrafted Prospect Jacob Thomas Lands Predraft Visit With Packers

The walk-on turned All-Conference safety at James Madison is hoping to continue his rags-to-riches story in the NFL.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:38pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football player in motion, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the colors of the Green Bay Packers.A former walk-on's path to the NFL takes an intriguing turn with a predraft visit to Green Bay.Harrisonburg Today

Jacob Thomas, a former walk-on who earned a scholarship at James Madison University, is scheduled to have a predraft visit with the Green Bay Packers. Thomas was a two-time All-Sun Belt Conference selection, making plays on defense and special teams for the Dukes. Despite his impressive college career, he is projected to be a late-round draft pick or undrafted free agent as he looks to make an NFL roster.

Why it matters

Thomas' journey from walk-on to NFL prospect is an inspiring story of perseverance and hard work. His predraft visit with the Packers could open the door to an opportunity in the league, where he would look to carve out a role similar to the one he had at James Madison as a versatile defensive back and core special teams contributor.

The details

Thomas walked on at James Madison and didn't earn a scholarship until his junior season. Over the next two years, he emerged as a standout, earning second-team All-Sun Belt Conference honors in both 2024 and 2025. He had 3 interceptions, 6 passes defended, 72 tackles, and 8 tackles for loss in 2024, followed by 2 interceptions, 9 passes defended, 71 tackles, and 4 tackles for loss in 2025 to help James Madison reach the College Football Playoffs. Thomas also impressed at his pro day, running the 40-yard dash in an unofficial 4.45 seconds after starting his training at 4.71 seconds.

  • Thomas walked on at James Madison University.
  • Thomas earned a scholarship at James Madison University in his junior season.
  • Thomas was a two-time second-team All-Sun Belt Conference selection in 2024 and 2025.
  • Thomas is scheduled to have a predraft visit with the Green Bay Packers in 2026.

The players

Jacob Thomas

A former walk-on who earned a scholarship and became a standout defensive back at James Madison University, Thomas is now an NFL prospect looking to continue his rags-to-riches story.

Bob Chesney

The head coach of the James Madison University football team, Chesney praised Thomas' poise, leadership, and ability to respond in the heat of the moment.

Kye Holmes

A fellow safety at James Madison University, Holmes described Thomas as a "security blanket" that the team could always rely on to make a play.

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What they’re saying

“He's like our security blanket. You can always rely on him to make that one tackle, get that one play made. I just love having him out there next to me.”

— Kye Holmes, James Madison University safety

“He's a clear mind. In the heat of the moment, he has a poise about him that's really exciting to watch, and at the same exact point in time, he's a leader. … He responds over and over again. He doesn't just react – he doesn't impulsively react – he responds, and that's exciting.”

— Bob Chesney, James Madison University head coach

What’s next

If Thomas impresses the Packers during his predraft visit, he could be selected in the later rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft or signed as an undrafted free agent. His ability to contribute on special teams and his versatility as a defensive back could make him an attractive option for the Packers, who have a need at the position after the departure of Zayne Anderson in free agency.

The takeaway

Jacob Thomas' journey from walk-on to NFL prospect is a testament to the power of hard work and perseverance. His predraft visit with the Packers represents a chance for him to continue his rags-to-riches story and earn a spot on an NFL roster, where he could provide valuable depth and special teams contributions.