The Green Bay Packers already had five tight ends on their offseason roster before the 2026 NFL Draft. That likely explains at least partially why the team didn’t add a tight end and only signed one undrafted rookie at the position. But that undrafted rookie, RJ Maryland, is already opening eyes among draft analysts and Packers pundits.
The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner was one of a few analysts who hyped the SMU tight end after the Packers rookie minicamp concluded.
Baumgardner named Maryland the one undrafted free agent to watch on the Green Bay roster.
“The Packers have Maryland — a college tight end — listed as a wide receiver, so we’ll see where he fits in,” wrote Baumgardner. “The son of former Cowboys No. 1 pick Russell Maryland, RJ Maryland (6-4, 236) ran a 4.51 40 at the combine, trailing only Kenyon Sadiq at the position.
“He could be a matchup problem.”
Since Baumgardner included Maryland on his list, SB Nation’s Acme Packing Company’s Dusty Evely posted two highlight clips of the SMU product. Fansided’s Lombardi Avenue’s Hunter Wilson also added more to why Maryland is an undrafted rookie to watch.
“While he is a little undersized compared to Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave, Maryland’s speed could allow him to slide nicely into offensive situations when the Packers want another downfield option for Jordan Love,” wrote Wilson.
Maryland is the son of former NFL defensive tackle Russell Maryland. The Dallas Cowboys selected Russell at No. 1 overall in the 1991 NFL Draft.
Undrafted Rookie TE RJ Maryland’s Impressive Highlights
Maryland’s biggest obstacle with potentially earning an NFL role is his blocking. That’s why Baumgardner proposed the SMU product switching position to wide receiver.
Whether or not that happens, Maryland will have to shine as a pass-catcher to earn a Packers roster spot.
“Maryland’s acceleration into the route is average and he coasts vertically instead of driving to separate,” wrote NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein. “He runs routes with adequate leverage and breaks them off at crisp angles. He has the catch radius and body adjustments to make spectacular catches, but he needs to bring in contested tries at a higher rate.
“As a subpar run blocker, Maryland must elevate his play as a pass-catcher to compete for a roster spot as an ‘F’ tight end.”
Based on early indications, though, Maryland has the talent to standout in Green Bay’s passing game.
“There may be quite a few things for RJ Maryland to clear up BUT ALSO,” wrote Evely on X.
Top Packers tight end Tucker Kraft is expected to return for Week 1 in the 2026 NFL season. But he’s recovering from an ACL tear he sustained in November this offseason.
It wouldn’t be a bad thing for the Packers to have some additional pass-catching tight end insurance.
During his best statistical college season, Maryland had 34 catches, 518 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 2023.
Maryland averaged 13.2 yards per reception in 46 college games.
“It’s real easy to fall in love with the highs of RJ Maryland,” added Evely. “REAL easy.”
This offseason, the Packers also have tight ends Luke Musgrave, Josh Whyle, Drake Dabney and Messiah Swinson on their roster. Maryland will have to beat out most of those tight ends to make the Packers this summer.
But multiple pundits see him as having the talent to make that happen.
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