The Green Bay Packers were one of the first teams in the NFL to organize a rookie minicamp between May 2-3. Besides the eight draft picks, 10 undrafted free agent signings, and some players who were already under contract but were eligible to participate, the Packers also hosted 11 rookies for a tryout.
The most notable player was Canadian quarterback Taylor Elgersma. He was the only quarterback at the rookie minicamp, and received praise from head coach Matt LaFleur.
"He's got a very live arm, and you can see that on tape, LaFleur said on Friday. "Obviously, he played at the Senior Bowl and (passing game coordinator Jason) Vrable got to see him there. He was in two of the senior games, we had them in a 30 visit. Another guy that loves football, watching him throw, he's got a live arm. There's a lot to like about him."
It doesn't mean any of the group will get signed, but it's a big opportunity to show value and get an NFL contract down the road.
This is the list of tryout players:
- K Gavin Stewart
- QB Taylor Elgersma
- P Brendan Hall
- WR Jack Studer
- LB Xander Mueller
- LB Luke Gunderson
- LB Connor Shay
- DL Van Fillinger
- LS Gage King
- WR Jaden Smith
- WR Ali Jennings
For LaFleur, the rookie minicamp is a step to get rookies acclimated ahead of the organized team activities later in May.
"You never know where these guys are at physically," LaFleur explained. "I mean, I was just talking to Anthony Belton, and he went on 14 different 30 visits. It's hard to be in peak physical condition when you get him in here. So more or less, it's just to try to get these guys a taste of what's to come. Get them acclimated as soon as possible."
Besides draft picks, undrafted signings, and tryout players, are also eligible to participate veterans that haven't accrued an NFL season yet—practice squad and other players who signed future deals with the Packers earlier this year, for instance.
Those are cornerbacks Kalen King and Kamal Hadden, linebacker Kaleb Hayes, tight end Johnny Lumpkin, defensive ends Deslin Alexandre and Jeremiah Martin, defensive tackles Keith Randolph and James Ester, and guard Donovan Jennings.
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