Former SMU tight end RJ Maryland brings rare speed and receiving upside to Green Bay as he fights for a roster spot.
RJ Maryland may have gone undrafted, but the former SMU tight end landed in one of the NFL’s best places for overlooked rookies to make a roster.
The Green Bay Packers have a long history of finding value after the NFL Draft, and Maryland could be the next name to watch.
Since 2005, Green Bay has consistently given undrafted free agents real chances to earn spots, and Maryland’s speed makes him one of the more intriguing players in this year’s rookie class.
Maryland, the son of former Dallas Cowboys No. 1 overall pick Russell Maryland, built his own name at SMU.
He finished as the Mustangs’ all-time leader in receiving yards by a tight end, showing the kind of vertical ability that NFL teams covet.
His best college season came in 2023, when he caught 34 passes for 518 yards and seven touchdowns. He was off to another strong start in 2024 with 24 catches for 359 yards and four scores in seven games before suffering a torn ACL.
Maryland returned for his final season and added 27 receptions for 322 yards and two touchdowns.
The athletic upside is obvious. At 6-foot-4, Maryland ran a 4.51-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, the second-fastest time among tight ends.
That gives him a real chance to stretch seams, threaten linebackers and become a mismatch piece in Green Bay’s passing game.
The challenge is rounding out the rest of his profile. Maryland isn’t a classic in-line blocking tight end at 236 pounds, and he played limited special teams snaps at SMU.
That matters because roster-depth tight ends usually have to contribute in multiple phases.
Still, Maryland’s receiving traits could make the Packers think hard. Tucker Kraft is already a major piece, and Luke Musgrave is entering a contract year.
Green Bay could use another explosive pass-catching option in the room.
For SMU, Maryland’s shot with the Packers is another strong developmental story. He went from productive Mustang to undrafted sleeper with a clear NFL trait.
Now he has to turn speed into staying power.
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