The Green Bay Packers are signing UCF edge rusher Nyjalik Kelly as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 NFL draft, UCF Football announced.
The Packers hosted Kelly (6-5, 263) on a visit to Green Bay before the draft. He is the fourth pre-draft visitor expected to sign as an undrafted free agent, joining quarterback Kyron Drones, offensive lineman Josh Gesky and linebacker TJ Quinn.
Kelly, who is still only 21 years old, produced 22.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and six pass breakups over 41 career games and 26 starts. He transferred from Miami to UCF following the 2023 season. In 2025, Kelly was an All-Big 12 pick after tallying 3.0 sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss, an interception and two forced fumbles. Both forced fumbles were returned by UCF for touchdowns.
Per PFF, Kelly produced 49 pressures and 53 stops over the last two seasons.
Kelly is long levered, with 35 1/8″ arms and a wingspan of 82 1/2″. He posted good jumps but was hurt by running the 40-yard dash in 4.84 seconds.
From Dane Brugler of The Athletic, who ranked Kelly as the No. 37 edge rusher in the class: “A four-star recruit, Kelly had an impressive offer sheet and committed to Florida State before flipping to Miami. He suffered a season-ending knee injury in 2023 and entered the transfer portal. He landed at UCF and led the team in forced fumbles as both a junior and senior. Kelly has a super-long frame, and his arms measured the longest among the 35 edge rushers invited to the NFL combine. He uses his extension to stack blocks and battle through traffic versus the run, although wild tackling attempts lead to misses. He also uses his length to long-arm blockers and set up bull-rush attempts. However, he doesn’t show much of a rush plan and relies more on hustle than skill, which leaves him out of position. Overall, Kelly is a raw player in both phases, but his long arms and consistent effort are reasons to be encouraged that his best football is ahead of him.”
Kelly and fourth-round pick Dani Dennis-Sutton provide an influx of young, exciting talent at edge rusher for the Packers.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers sign UDFA edge rusher Nyjalik Kelly after 2026 draft
Reporting by Zach Kruse, Packers Wire / Packers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
