The Green Bay Packers did not select a wide receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft, but signed former Cal, UCLA, and Florida receiver J. Michael Sturdivant to a three-year, $3.115 million undrafted free agent contract, including a $15,000 signing bonus and $215,000 guaranteed. He went undrafted largely because of his limited production and was hindered by inconsistent quarterback play. Sturdivant showed flashes in his final season with the Golden Bears, hauling in career highs of 65 receptions for 755 yards and seven touchdowns in 2022. Over his past three years, he had just 85 receptions for 1,318 yards and nine touchdowns with the Bruins and, most recently, the Gators, averaging 28 receptions for 439 yards and three touchdowns per season.
Sturdivant is an X receiver thanks to his 6-foot-3, 207-pound frame, making him an ideal red-zone, goal-line, and contested catch threat. He is also very athletic, running a 4.4 40-yard dash and a 1.54 10-yard split, recording a 39″ vertical jump and a 10′ 11″ broad jump, posting a near-perfect Relative Athletic Score of 9.96. In his rookie season, he will compete for a roster and may secure a place on the 53-man roster if the Packers opt to keep seven wide receivers.
The Green Bay Packers’ 6’3 weapon is named the team’s most exciting UDFA
Florida Gators
Apr 12, 2025; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant (9) walks on the field during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
In a Bleacher Report article, Gary Davenport identified each NFL team’s most exciting undrafted free agent heading into the 2026 NFL season. For the Packers, he named J. Michael Sturdivant, noting that Lou Landers of The Big Lead had named him the best undrafted free-agent acquisition of the year because of his athleticism. While Davenport acknowledges his inconsistencies in route-running and underwhelming college production, he believes Sturdivant has potential to develop into a boundary receiver.
“The signing of any undrafted free agent is a dart throw, but the Packers got a value in the eyes of many in wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant,” Davenport said.
“In fact, Lou Landers of The Big Lead hailed it as the best UDFA acquisition of 2026:
‘The Green Bay Packers may have landed one of the most explosive undrafted receivers available in J. Michael Sturdivant. A product of the UCLA Bruins, California Golden Bears, and Florida Gators, Sturdivant brings elite measurables—a 9.96 Relative Athletic Score and 4.4-second 40-yard dash. He was widely viewed as a top UDFA wideout, and Green Bay’s track record of developing receivers makes this an ideal pairing.’
“Sturdivant’s route-running needs work, and his collegiate production never matched his potential. But that potential as a boundary receiver is undeniable, and he was widely expected to be drafted in the middle of Day 3.”
Lance Zierlein
Mar 2, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NFL Network Draft media analyst Lance Zierlein during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
“Sturdivant is a traits-based wideout whose production over the last two seasons doesn’t match the potential he shows on tape. His combination of foot agility, vertical speed and ball skills should allow him to run routes as an ‘X’ or ‘Z’ receiver. His routes could use better attention to detail to help increase his elusiveness at break points and free up his catch space. He’s very tough over the middle and will not shrink from combat catches. He can accelerate quickly to add run-after-catch on short throws. His run blocking is adequate but needs more strain. Sturdivant’s ingredients make him a worthy middle-round investment, as his best football could be ahead of him.”
He projects as a good backup with the potential to develop into a starter.