Packers UDFA Signings and Rookie Minicamp Invites: Dates, Notable Prospects, and More
Alcorn State running back Jarveon Howard (0) gets taken down by Jackson State linebacker Jurriente Davis (32) during play at the Jack Spinks Football Stadium in Lorman, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022.
After loading up on an astonishing 11 NFL Draft picks, the Green Bay Packers showed they were far from finished in adding to their roster.
The Packers additionally have a high number of undrafted players and rookie minicamp invitees coming.
Which UDFAs Did the Packers Sign? Contracts and Notable Names
- Jarveon Howard, RB, Alcorn State
- Messiah Swinson, TE, Arizona State
- Donovan Jennings, OT, USF
- Trente Jones, OT, Michigan
- James Ester, DT, Northern Illinois
- Rodney Matthews, DT, Ohio
- Peter Bowden, LS, Wisconsin
Green Bay’s UDFA list is starting to roll out.
Jarveon Howard comes in as a past 1,000-yard rusher at the HBCU realm. He compiled 1,270 yards and scored 12 touchdowns in 2022. His production dipped to 772 yards and seven touchdowns last season.
Messiah Swinson brings the most towering height among the Packers’ UDFA additions. He stands at 6’8″ and weighs 251 pounds, giving him an NBA small forward-like appearance. Swinson split two seasons each at Missouri then Arizona State.
Offensive and defensive tackle feature the most UDFA representatives. Trente Jones brings a national title in tow to the offensive line. Donovan Jennings, though, had his contract revealed by Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston: $100,000 in guaranteed salary with a $10,000 signing bonus.
MORE: NFL Schedule Release
On the opposite trenches, James Ester and Rodney Matthews comprise the defensive line representatives, with Ester named the Team MVP in 2023 at Northern Illinois.
Long snapper Peter Bowden was the only other UDFA whose contract leaked out. Wilson reports Bowden’s deal includes a $5,000 signing bonus.
Who Will Be Attending the Packers’ Rookie Minicamp?
- Julian Hicks, WR, Albany
- Mike Bertoia, OL, UW-La Crosse
- Don Callis, S, Troy
- Alex McNulty, PK, Buffalo
- Porter Wilson, P, Duke
- Roje Stona, EDGE, Arkansas
Of the six rookie camp invites, Roje Stona has the most unique background. Stona has zero competitive football experience, and he’s coming to Packers rookie minicamp as a shot putter and discus thrower from Arkansas.
Julian Hicks comes in as both a past FCS and FBS wide receiver. He began his career with the University of Akron before transferring to Albany. He also played at Central Michigan.
Mike Bertoia will aim to become the latest NCAA Division III prospect to land on an NFL roster. He comes over having put together an All-American campaign in 2022. He also played defensive end for UW-Platteville.
Alex McNulty heads to Green Bay as the University of Buffalo’s all-time leader in career field goals (60), extra points (189) and points scored (369).
All six invitees will join the rest of the rookie class for Green Bay at its upcoming camp for first-year players.
When Is the Packers’ Rookie Minicamp?
Per the team’s website, the Packers’ rookie minicamp has yet to be officially announced.
However, NFL teams have been given the timeframe of May 3-6 or May 10-13 to officially hold their rookie session. Per the NFL Operations page, all teams, including Green Bay, can select a Friday-Sunday or Saturday-Monday format for their rookie camp.
Every member of the Packers’ rookie class, including their draft picks, will be expected to attend the minicamp. It’s their first chance to show head coach Matt LaFleur and the entire Packers staff what their skillsets are in an NFL setting.
KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Draft Complete Results, Recap, Order, and All 257 Picks
For the UDFA players, it’s their opportunity to elevate themselves to a spot on the 90-man roster, or even the final 53-man roster following preseason action.
The Packers have witnessed undrafted players become starters before. Tramon Williams and Sam Shields became defensive starters during Green Bay’s Super Bowl 45 run.
Looking for everything you need surrounding the 2024 NFL Draft? Make sure to check out the latest draft results, overall team grades, and updated best remaining players available at every position!