Green Bay Packers Invite Projected CFL #1 Pick To Rookie Minicamp

The Green Bay Packers got a great haul of young players in the 2025 NFL Draft. Most notably, they took a wide receiver in the first round for the first time since 2002. At this point in the offseason, teams are looking at which undrafted free agents they want to invite to their rookie minicamps. Every year, it seems a few players who went undrafted make NFL rosters. The Packers made an intriguing invite today. Projected 1st round pick for the Canadian Football League (CFL), Connor Shay, has been invited to Green Bay’s rookie minicamp.

Green Bay Packers Invite LB Connor Shay

Zach Jacobson of Packer Report posted on X that the Green Bay Packers would be inviting the former Wyoming linebacker to their rookie minicamp. It is important to note the Packers have not officially signed him, but are going to take a closer look at him during the team’s practices. Shay’s father is Canadian, so the linebacker qualifies for Canadian citizenship. In the CFL, there are rules on how many non-natives there can be on a roster.

This makes players like Connor Shay in high demand. A recent mock draft had Shay going number one overall to the Calgary Stampeders. Last season, he racked up 76 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception, and three passes defended. He also tested very well at the NFL Combine. While many teams will invite rookies to their minicamp, this one is interesting because of the current roster makeup for the Green Bay Packers.

Possible Perfect Fit

The Green Bay Packers are thin at linebacker. Quay Walker and Edgerrin Cooper are the top two on the depth chart, but after that, it falls off quickly. Last season, the team only rostered five off-ball linebackers, and once injuries piled up, the unit became extremely thin. More than likely, the team wants to have at least six on the 53-man roster. If Shay impresses at the rookie minicamp, it is plausible that he becomes the third person on the depth chart.

He will not have much time to make a decision. The CFL season starts in May, right after the minicamp ends. He’ll have to decide whether he wants to pursue his NFL career or be one of the best young players in the league to the north. The Green Bay Packers might be the perfect opportunity for him. If any injury happens at any point, he could become a starter on a defense that was ranked in the top half of the league next year. This is a player to keep an eye out for during the rookie minicamp.