The Green Bay Packers did not draft a wide receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft. That decision, however, did not signal they would completely ignore it though that position. Because shortly after the draft, the Packers signed one of the most intriguing and explosive undrafted wide receivers available, Florida’s J. Michael Sturdivant. In a class where value often goes beyond the final picks in the draft, this was a classic Packers decision based on projection, traits, and opportunity rather than immediate production on the field.
Several evaluations gave Sturdivant a mid-to-late round grade (5th – 7th) going into the draft. Instead, Green Bay was able to acquire him without using a pick, making him into an ideal steal for a pick up.
Traits that Translate
Sturdivant brings a physical profile that immediately stands out. At 6-foot-3 and over 200 pounds, with a 4.4 40-yard dash, he provides a unique combination of size and speed at his position. His 39-inch vertical and strong broad jump support that athletic profile. Simply put, he checks the boxes that Green Bay typically looks for.
On tape, that athleticism shows up most clearly down the field. Sturdivant accelerates well for his frame and has the ability to stack defenders vertically, creating separation on deeper routes. While his route tree remains inconsistent and a work in progress, his ability to stress coverage down the field provides a trait worth developing.
A Career of Flashes
Sturdivant’s college production is a bit of a mixed bag. He made an early impact at California, leading all freshmen in receiving yards with 755 in 2022. That season placed him squarely on the radar. Stops at UCLA and Florida did not match the same level of production though. In his final year at Florida, he had 27 catches for 406 yards and three touchdowns. Throughout his career, he recorded 150 receptions, 2,073 yards, and 16 touchdowns.
The evaluation, becomes less about consistency and more about context for him. Sturdivant’s trajectory suggests flashes of high-level ability that were not always matched by opportunity or role. For Green Bay, that gap between production and potential is where the value lies for him.
Pathway to the Roster
One of Sturdivant’s most important characteristics is his alignment flexibility. At Florida, he played both outside and slot receiver. That versatility could be very useful in a Packers offense that values flexible players across multiple formations.
More importantly, his path to a roster spot will most likely be through special teams. Sturdivant’s special teams usage increased in 2025, with more snaps than in his previous seasons combined. For an undrafted player competing at a deep position, he must be willing and able to contribute outside of offense.
With recent roster movement at wide receiver, including the departure of Dontayvion Wicks, there is space for competition at the back end of the depth chart. Sturdivant does not need to immediately produce as a receiver, but he does need to prove he can fill a role for the team.
What to Watch this Summer
Training camp will ultimately shape Sturdivant’s future for his career. He enters a competitive wide receiver room that lacks a clear hierarchy beyond the top options. That uncertainty though, creates opportunity, especially for a player who offers something unique among the group.
Sturdivant has a realistic chance to carve out a role if his vertical ability translates and his special teams impact remains consistent at the next level. At the very least, he fits the profile of a practice squad player with developmental potential and upside. At best, he serves as another example of Green Bay’s ability to extract value from undervalued talent. For a team that chose not to address the position during the draft, this is how the gap is filled: with calculated swings rather than headlines.
Main Image: Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
