The Green Bay Packers’ rookie minicamp is underway, with 38 players vying for a roster spot. Among them are the 2025 draft class, 10 undrafted free agents, 11 tryout players, and nine returning faces. For some, it is a shot to keep their NFL dreams alive; for others, it could be the end of the road.
Competition is the driving force that brings out the best in every football player. General Manager Brian Gutekunst has ensured that every facet of the roster has capable talent. Whether you are an established veteran or a rookie, you should have to fight for your job.
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Matt LaFleur expects fierce competition throughout the roster, including special teams. Punter Daniel Whelan was one of the most consistent players on Green Bay’s roster last year, yet the team has brought in competition for him in the form of an unconventional player.
Green Bay Packers HC Matt LaFleur walks to the field against the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field.© Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Montana State’s Brendan Hall took the field at Green Bay’s rookie camp. He is 6-foot-9 and brings uncommon length and impressive leg strength. Still, he must refine his hang time and sharpen his consistency to improve his odds of sticking in the pros.
Hall started his career at SMU, handling kickoffs and punts for two seasons while earning Ray Guy Award Watch List honors. He transferred to Montana State in 2023 and quickly emerged as one of the top specialists in the FCS.
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Over two seasons, he earned All-America and All-Big Sky honors, averaged over 45 yards per punt, and led the FCS in kickoff touchbacks both years. Hall was also selected for the Hula Bowl and named Big Sky Special Teams Player of the Week twice.
You don’t see a 6-foot-9 punter in the NFL every day, and Brendan Hall’s presence adds an intriguing wrinkle to Green Bay’s offseason. Still, there’s no reason for the Packers to move on from Daniel Whelan. Special teams have been an Achilles’ heel in recent playoff losses, and Whelan brought much-needed stability to the punting game. Why risk that progress now?
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