Every NFL team dreams of finding a diamond in the rough, and the Green Bay Packers may have just unearthed one in undrafted free agent RJ Maryland. While the SMU product might start his career on the practice squad in 2026, his unique skill set as a seam-stretching tight end could make him a valuable asset down the road.
Maryland isn't just any rookie—he's got football in his blood. The Southlake, Texas native is the son of former first overall pick and three-time Super Bowl champion Russell Maryland, who also wore the green and gold. Growing up, RJ starred at Southlake Carroll High School, where he caught passes from future NFL draft pick Quinn Ewers, showcasing his versatility as both a wide receiver and tight end.
After initially committing to Boston College under Jeff Hafley, Maryland flipped to SMU, where he spent all four collegiate seasons. His development as a receiver was steady and impressive, with his Pro Football Focus (PFF) receiving grade climbing from 62.5 as a freshman in 2022 to a career-high 75.9 in 2024. Unfortunately, an ACL injury midway through that season derailed his momentum, and his grade slipped to 67.5 in 2025.
Where Maryland truly stands out is in the passing game. He was primarily used as a receiver rather than a blocker—ranking in the top five in slot usage among 178 draft-eligible tight ends in 2025, while sitting near the bottom in inline snaps. His run-blocking grades tell the same story, peaking at a modest 55.9 in 2024 before dropping to 42.8 in 2025. Simply put, he's a pass-catching specialist who stretches the field vertically.
At 6-foot-3.5 and 238 pounds, Maryland is on the smaller side for a tight end, but his athletic testing numbers are eye-popping. He posted a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 7.67 out of 10, fueled by a blazing 4.51-second 40-yard dash that ranks in the 98th percentile historically at his position. His broad jump of 10 feet, 2 inches landed in the 90th percentile, and his short shuttle was solid at the 72nd. His most notable athletic comp? Greg Dulcich, the former third-round pick of the Denver Broncos.
Before the ACL tear, Maryland was on pace for a monster 2024 season with 359 receiving yards. If he can fully recover and refine his game, the Packers might have found a hidden gem who can create mismatches down the seam for years to come. For now, he's a name to watch—and a potential steal for any fan looking to add some future star power to their collection.