Packers will hold rookie minicamp practices on May 3-4

In years past, the Green Bay Packers have held their rookie minicamp, which former head coach Mike McCarthy referred to as “rookie orientation,” in the first available time slot. That is typically the weekend immediately following the draft.

This year, with Matt LaFleur at the helm, that is one even that is not changing. Following the conclusion of the 2019 NFL Draft on Saturday, LaFleur revealed the team’s plans to host rookie camp next weekend. LaFleur confirmed that players will arrive on Thursday, May 2nd, with practices taking place Friday, May 3rd and Saturday, May 4th.

NFL teams are allowed to hold this camp on either of the two weekends following the draft. However, more than half the league typically schedules the event for the first weekend. In theory, that gives them an opportunity to sign an impressive player immediately after camp, whereas teams that wait until week two may see a few players lost to other teams the week before.

In attendance at next week’s camp will be the Packers’ eight draft picks, along with their 11 reported undrafted free agent signings and a host of unsigned camp invitees. In addition, a select few players on the Packers’ roster prior to the draft are allowed to participate — those who have not accrued a full season of NFL experience. In 2019, that group will include players like Cole Madison, Kendall Donnerson, Gerhard de Beer, Allen Lazard, and others. In total, the Packers have 13 players on the roster who should be eligible for rookie camp.

Stay tuned for the full roster when minicamp gets underway on Friday.