Knight fans may be disappointed that edge rusher Nyjalik Kelly wasn’t selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. But that doesn’t mean he won’t get a shot at the next level.
Kelly has signed as an undrafted free agent with the Green Bay Packers. He’ll join fellow Knight running back Jaden Nixon among the players battling for a roster spot over the summer.
In 2025, Kelly recorded 46 tackles with 33 solo and 7.5 for a loss. He also hauled in an interception and got 4.5 sacks. As an honorable mention for the All-Big 12 conference team, he led the team with eight quarterback hurries.
Along with 2026 first-round pick Malachi Lawrence, Kelly attended the combine representing UCF. However, his performance in workouts caused his draft stock to slip.
However, his physical traits led Packer scouts to look past his 4.88 40-yard dash time.
Head coach Scott Frost also pointed out to the media that Kelly’s efforts to stay in college football for another year gave him a late start on his combine preparation.
Whether that was the cause of the lackluster performance in drills or not, Kelly is still a mix of size and agility that can perform regardless of straightaway speed.
Considering the dropoff in the Packers’ depth at the position once star Micah Parsons went down with an injury last year, Kelly has a chance to grow and develop into a consistent contributor. Moreover, Green Bay has four fourth-year guys on their roster approaching the end of their rookie deals. If Kelly can show more potential upside than any of those guys as their rookie contracts expire, he could prove to be the more favorable option from a financial salary cap perspective.
