The Green Bay Packers officially turned the page to the next generation on Friday, signing five of their six NFL Draft selections along with 10 undrafted rookie free agents as the team kicked off rookie minicamp at the Don Hutson Center. General Manager Brian Gutekunst and Head Coach Matt LaFleur welcomed the newest members of the organization, giving fans their first real look at the players who will shape the 2026 season and beyond.
The flurry of signings came just hours before LaFleur addressed reporters following the first day of rookie minicamp. Speaking from the Don Hutson Center, the head coach described the weekend as an introductory opportunity for the young players to acclimate to the NFL lifestyle.
"It's a taste of what's to come," LaFleur said. "For these guys, it's about learning how we do things, getting their feet wet, and understanding what it takes to be a professional. It's an exciting time for our organization."
The Draft Class Locked In
According to multiple reports, the Packers officially signed five of their six draft picks. The team entered the weekend with six selections from the 2026 NFL Draft, and all but one had put pen to paper by the time camp opened. The lone unsigned pick is expected to finalize his deal in the coming days, as standard rookie contract language is typically the only remaining hurdle.
The draft class includes a mix of offensive talents and defensive reinforcements, all now officially under contract and participating in minicamp. While the Packers have not yet released the full details of each contract, the standard rookie wage scale ensures four-year deals with a team option for a fifth year on first-round picks.
These signings bring the Packers' offseason roster to 90 players, giving Gutekunst and his staff a full complement of bodies to evaluate through Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and training camp. With veteran minicamp scheduled for later this spring, the rookies are getting a head start on installing the playbook and building chemistry with the coaching staff.
Undrafted Free Agent Haul
Beyond the draft picks, the Packers signed 10 undrafted rookie free agents. Although none of these players were selected during the three-day draft in April, each brings college production and a chip on their shoulder. Undrafted free agents have a rich history in Green Bay, from fan favorites to key contributors, and the organization consistently prioritizes giving these players a legitimate opportunity to compete.
The 10 undrafted signings fill various needs across the roster. Some address depth concerns at positions like wide receiver and defensive line, while others serve as developmental projects at offensive line and defensive back. The full list of undrafted signings has not been released, but the group includes players from a range of college programs, spanning Power Five conferences to smaller schools.
For these players, the path to making the 53-man roster is steep. The Packers return a veteran-laden roster, particularly on offense, where starters like quarterback Jordan Love, running back Josh Jacobs, and a deep receiving corps are already entrenched. However, special teams roles and practice squad spots remain very much up for grabs, and undrafted rookies have historically carved out niches as core special teams contributors.
LaFleur's Message to the Rookies
During his media availability, LaFleur emphasized the importance of the weekend beyond just installing plays. Rookie minicamp, he explained, is as much about teaching habits as it is about teaching schemes.
"We're building the foundation," LaFleur said. "It's not just about what they do on the field. It's about how they prepare, how they take care of their bodies, how they communicate. These three days are an introduction to the standard we hold here."
The head coach also noted that while the rookies will learn the playbook, the coaching staff is primarily observing their mental processing and work ethic. With no pads and limited contact, the focus is on technique and assignment football.
"There's a lot of information coming at them," LaFleur added. "We want to see how they handle it. Some guys pick it up quickly. Others need more reps. That's what this weekend is for -- to identify where they are and give them a roadmap for the summer."
Roster Context: Where the Newcomers Fit
Examining the current roster, several positions stand out as competitive areas where the draft picks and undrafted free agents could contend for playing time.
At wide receiver, the Packers boast impressive depth with Jayden Reed, Christian Watson, Matthew Golden, and others. However, injuries have been a concern for Green Bay's receiving corps in recent seasons, and adding young legs--especially via undrafted signings--provides valuable insurance. The team also brought in Jakobie Keeney-James and Isaiah Neyor, who will push for roster spots.
The offensive line, which returns stalwarts like Zach Tom and Jordan Morgan, added Jager Burton and several undrafted guards. Competition for backup roles at center and guard should be fierce during training camp.
Defensively, the Packers invested heavily in the pass rush during the offseason, acquiring Micah Parsons and Javon Hargrave to join a unit coordinated by Defensive Coordinator Jonathan Gannon. The rookie additions at defensive end and defensive tackle will compete for snaps behind established starters like Lukas Van Ness, Karl Brooks, and Devonte Wyatt.
Linebacker and secondary are also areas of interest. With Zaire Franklin and Edgerrin Cooper leading the linebacker corps, young players will need to make an impact on special teams to earn a roster spot. In the secondary, Xavier McKinney and Javon Bullard anchor the safety group, while Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine provide experience at cornerback.
What's Next
Rookie minicamp continues through the weekend, with practices scheduled Saturday and Sunday. Following minicamp, the rookies will join the veterans for the start of Phase 2 of the offseason program, which includes on-field work without pads. OTAs begin later in May, followed by mandatory minicamp in June.
For the 15 players who signed Friday, the real work is just beginning. But for Packers fans, the first glimpse of the 2026 rookie class is a welcome sign that the football calendar is truly turning.
As LaFleur put it: "It's a taste of what's to come." And if the early returns are any indication, the Packers' future is in good hands.
The Packers currently have all 90 roster spots filled as they head into the heart of the offseason, with training camp set to open in late July. Gutekunst and his staff will continue to monitor the waiver wire and free agent market, but for now, the focus is squarely on developing the young talent already in the building.
Whether any of these rookies emerge as starters or contributors remains to be seen. But for one weekend in May, every player on the field has a fresh start and a chance to make an impression--and that's precisely what rookie minicamp is designed to provide.