The Green Bay Packers didn’t take a wide receiver in the 2026 NFL draft, but Brian Gutekunst was able to sign one of the top undrafted free agents at the position. Per Matt Zenitz of CBS, the Packers will sign Florida wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant following the 2026 draft.
Chad Reuter of NFL.com ranked Sturdivant as the fourth-best undrafted free agent at wide receiver. Dane Brugler of The Athletic had Sturdivant as the 29th best receiver in the 2026 draft class and a possible sixth-round pick.
Sturdivant (6-3, 207) played at UCLA and Cal before transferring to Florida, where he caught 27 passes for 406 yards and three scores in 2025. He finished his collegiate career with 150 catches for 2,073 yards and 16 touchdowns. While at Cal, Sturdivant led all freshman in receiving with 755 yards in 2022.
At the combine, Sturdivant likely cemented himself as a Packers receiver target when he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.40 seconds, hit 39″ in the vertical leap and covered 10-11 in the broad jump. His Relative Athletic Score without agility testing is 9.96 out 10.0, a truly elite score.
From Brugler: “A one-year starter at Florida (and four-year starter overall), Sturdivant was an inside/outside receiver in former offensive coordinator Russ Callaway’s scheme. Formerly Garrett Nussmeier’s top receiver in high school, he put his name on the NFL radar after leading all FBS freshmen in receiving in 2022 while at Cal. However, his production didn’t reach that level over his next three college seasons, at either UCLA or Florida. He finished tied for fourth on the Gators in receptions in 2025. Sturdivant accelerates well for his size to stack vertically and gain a step on top of coverage. He is more smooth than sudden in his route running, and his momentum can get away from him at times — which is why he is at his best on runway routes. His drop rate improved each season (8.3 percent in 2024 to just 3.6 percent in ‘25), and he gives his quarterback some wiggle room with ball placement. Overall, Sturdivant needs to introduce more urgency and nuance to his play, but he has juice for a bigger target and shows a decent feel for the position. He projects as an outside receiver at the back end of a roster who can contribute on special teams.”
Sturdivant is an excellent choice as an undrafted free agent with the talent and athleticism capable of competing for a roster spot in 2026. He has size and speed, with past history of production and experience playing special teams. Even at a relatively deep position. Sturdivant will be a player to watch this summer.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers signing one of the top UDFA wide receivers after 2026 draft
Reporting by Zach Kruse, Packers Wire / Packers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
