Every year at Packers training camp, there’s one unexpected name who rises above the noise — and this year, that name is quickly becoming Julian Hicks, a rookie wide receiver few fans had heard of just a week ago.

But after a jaw-dropping performance in back-to-back team drills this week, coaches aren’t just noticing him — they’re reworking reps to give him more snaps.

🚀 From Camp Body to Camp Breakout

Coming into camp, Hicks was seen as a depth option, largely overshadowed by a wide receiver room stacked with young talent like Jayden Reed, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Dontayvion Wicks.

But on July 31st, with multiple WRs sidelined due to minor injuries, Hicks got his shot — and made the most of it.

“He caught everything thrown his way — tight windows, sideline toe-taps, even a contested deep ball in double coverage,” one Packers assistant coach told local media. “That’s not just a lucky day. That’s real talent.”

🧠 What’s Behind the Sudden Surge?

Hicks isn’t just impressing with his hands — coaches say it’s his route precision and calm under pressure that’s turned heads.

In one sequence during 11-on-11s, he beat a starting cornerback on a crisp out route, adjusted mid-air to a slightly off-target throw, and came down in bounds with both feet — earning a rare sideline cheer from Head Coach Matt LaFleur.

“He plays like a guy who’s been here three years, not three weeks,” a team scout added.

📈 Could He Make the 53-Man Roster?

With uncertainty surrounding the injury timeline of WRs Jayden Reed and Savion Williams, Hicks is suddenly in the mix.

“Nothing’s guaranteed,” LaFleur said after practice. “But when someone plays like that, you don’t ignore it. You feed it.”

And just like that, what started as an extra camp body may now be a real contender for a final roster spot — or more.