Head coach Matt LaFleur and the Green Bay Packers weren’t able to get a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft. But they did bring in undrafted rookie signal-caller Kyron Drones immediately after the draft ended.
Drones was a dual threat during his college career at Virginia Tech, throwing for 5,785 yards and running for 1,847 yards on the ground over three seasons.
It’s early in the process. Furthermore, Drones is clearly be the team’s QB4 entering offseason workouts.
But LaFleur spoke highly of the signal-caller on the team’s first day of rookie minicamp.
“I love the physical skillset … he definitely has the physical skills to play the position,” said LaFleur. “A lot of it is just how fast can he pick up our stuff and, you know, the processing speed when he gets out on the field.”
The Packers signed Drones as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 NFL Draft. He could compete with Desmond Ridder and Kyle McCord for playing time behind Jordan Love this summer.
What QB Kyron Drones Will Bring Packers
Drones began his college career at Baylor. After not starting for the Bears, though, Drones transferred to Virginia Tech ahead of the 2023 season.
With the Hokies, the quarterback served as the team’s starter over three campaigns. He was a dual threat as both a passer and runner.
Last season, Drones registered 1,919 passing yards with 17 touchdowns. He also had 644 rushing yards.
Similar to LaFleur’s early assessment, NFL Draft scouts liked the Virginia Tech signal-caller for his physical traits. How well he does at the next level will depend on the development he can make mentally.
Drones posted a 58.3% completion percentage throughout his college career. His accuracy hit a career low at 56.5% last season. He also had nine interceptions in 315 attempts during 2025.
Packers QB Depth at NFL Rookie Minicamp
Quarterback is always a position to monitor around the league. The Packers have their franchise starting quarterback with Love.
But the position is still a sore spot for the Packers because the team lost backup Malik Willis this offseason. Willis signed a 3-year, $67.5 million contract to join the Miami Dolphins.
That left Ridder as the team’s backup to Love. The Packers then added McCoy and Drones this offseason.
The two latter quarterbacks are each developmental projects. Neither fit the mold of strong backup for the 2026 campaign.
Ridder has at least been around longer and is a former third-round pick. He is also 8-10 in his career as a starter.
But Ridder has averaged just 6.8 yards per attempt with 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in the NFL. He also hasn’t played a regular season game in the league since 2024.
For that reason, pundits have still linked to the Packers to other potential quarterback additions. Anthony Richardson has been a popular trade rumor this offseason. More recently, the possibility of Green Bay adding veteran Russell Wilson as a backup has surfaced.
If the Packers add any other signal-callers, they would have to be prepared to part with one of their other quarterbacks. Most likely, that would be Drones.
That possibility makes rookie minicamp and the other offseason workouts in May very important for Drones. A 2026 roster spot isn’t just on the line — his spot on the 90-man roster could be.
Matt LaFleur Speaks out on Packers Undrafted Rookie QB