The Green Bay Packers are set to sign Florida receiver J. Michael Sturdivant as an undrafted free agent after the 2026 NFL draft. Sturdivant, a former standout at Cal, posted impressive athletic scores at the NFL Scouting Combine.
The Green Bay Packers are expected to sign Florida receiver J. Michael Sturdivant as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 NFL draft. Sturdivant, who was rated as a sixth- or seventh-round player by most, ranks as one of the Packers' top signings after the draft.
Over four seasons and with three different schools, Sturdivant caught 150 passes for 2,073 yards and 16 touchdowns. He broke out as a freshman at Cal, leading all FBS freshman in receiving with 755 yards in 2022. But Sturdivant never reached those same heights after transferring to UCLA and Florida. Over 12 starts in 2025, Sturdivant caught 27 passes for 406 yards and three scores in a disappointing Gators passing game.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, Sturdivant aced the testing, posting a Relative Athletic Score of 9.96 at 6-2 and 207 pounds. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.40 seconds, hit 39" in the vertical leap and covered 10-11 in the broad jump, all elite numbers.
First, check out Brennen Rupp's profile of Sturdivant in his "Unpacking Future Packers" series. Then, take a look at what draft experts said about the Packers' new UDFA receiver:
A one-year starter at Florida (and four-year starter overall), Sturdivant was an inside/outside receiver in former offensive coordinator Russ Callawayâs scheme. Formerly Garrett Nussmeierâs 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 didnât 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 â 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 â25), 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.
J. Michael Sturdivant caught 150 passes for 2,073 yards and 16 touchdowns over four seasons at three different schools.
Sturdivant achieved a Relative Athletic Score of 9.96, ran the 40-yard dash in 4.40 seconds, and had a vertical leap of 39 inches.
Despite a strong freshman year at Cal, Sturdivant's performance declined at UCLA and Florida, leading to his undrafted status.
Sturdivant is considered one of the Packers' top signings after the draft, with potential to contribute to their receiving corps.
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Sturdivant is a traits-based wideout whose production over the last two seasons doesnât 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 âXâ or âZâ receiver. His routes could use better attention to detail to help increase his elusiveness at break points and free up his catch space. Heâs 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. Sturdivantâs ingredients make him a worthy middle-round investment, as his best football could be ahead of him.
At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, Sturdivant, a former four-star recruit, offers an appealing blend of size and speed. He posted impressive track times in high school, including a career-best 10.39 in the 100 meters, and that top-end speed and acceleration show up consistently on film. Sturdivant profiles as a vertical receiver with the skill set to line up at all three spots, though he is best suited to the outside. His explosiveness gives him the potential to develop into a more refined route runner, but his routes currently lack consistency and nuance. At times, his timing and feel for when to break appear off, which contributes to lower separation numbers. His footwork against press coverage is explosive but not always efficient enough to consistently create separation. His catch rate was inconsistent prior to 2025 but improved significantly in his final season. Sturdivant also brings good play strength as a blocker, which supports his projection as an every-down contributor. Despite his explosiveness, however, that athleticism has not consistently translated into production after the catch.
The Packers did not draft a receiver, giving Sturdivant a real chance to stick, either as a surprise player on the 53-man roster or a developmental player on the practice squad. One of his top athletic comps is former Packers' first-round pick Javon Walker, who ran 435 at just under 6-3 and 210 pounds.
J. Michael Sturdivant/Javon Walker
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: What draft experts said about Packers top UDFA J. Michael Sturdivant