Kentucky Wildcats Fighting for Jobs at NFL Training Camp

We still have to wait another week for Kentucky football practice to begin, but across the country former Kentucky Wildcats are reporting to NFL Training Camp. Mark Stoops’ program is represented at most of the league’s 32 teams. Some players, like Jaguars center Luke Fortner, have already secured starting spots. Others are competing for a job.

There are only 53 roster spots on each team. Those who don’t make the cut can still earn a solid payday as a member of the practice squad, like Justin Rigg did last fall for the Cincinnati Bengals. Heck, Phil Hoskins even got a Super Bowl ring with the Kansas City Chiefs. However, the ultimate prize is to be on that final 53-man roster and these four former Wildcats are cutting their teeth to make it happen.

Benny Snell

Kentucky’s all-time leading rusher is looking for a new home. A fourth round draft pick in 2019, he had a couple of 100-yard games through his first two seasons as the Steelers’ physical presence in the backfield. Those carries went away once Pittsburgh used a first round pick on Najee Harris. Snell could have been cut right away, but his persistence on special teams earned him a role on Mike Tomlin’s team. Unfortunately, that role was not valuable enough for the Steelers to pick up his fifth-year option.

The veteran running back began his quest for a new NFL home by attending a minicamp in June with the Denver Broncos. This week he stayed within that division. Tom Pelissero reports Snell attended a tryout for the Las Vegas Raiders.

Josh Ali

The former Kentucky wide receiver’s NFL career was almost taken from him before it ever even began. He was sidelined for his final game at UK, the Citrus Bowl, after suffering a knee injury while in an auto accident with fellow UK wide receiver Isaiah Epps. Fortunately, their long term health was not in jeopardy, but Josh Ali was unable to train at all in front of NFL officials.

Despite the serious setback, Ali signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent. By the season’s end, he was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster. Entering NFL Training Camp, he’s a serious contender to make the Falcons’ 53-man roster.

Brandin Echols

The former JUCO transfer turned himself into a sixth round draft after just two seasons in Lexington. During his rookie campaign for the New York Jets, he shocked the Big Apple by turning into a starter that picked off a pair of passes and returned one to the house. Echols even convinced Tom Brady to sign the ball he intercepted.

The following offseason was not so kind to the former Cat. He was in a serious auto accident near the Jets’ practice facility, traveling more than 50 mph over the speed limit when his Hellcat slammed into a BMW, temporarily paralyzing the other driver. The matter was recently adjudicated. In addition to multiple fourth-degree charges and a diversion program, he received a one-game suspension from the league office.

As well as he played as a rookie, Sauce Gardner quickly overshadowed the pleasant sixth round surprise. With an off-the-field incident hanging over his head, this is an incredibly important NFL Training Camp for Echols to prove his worth to the organization.

Lynn Bowden

It’s a do-or-die NFL Training Camp for one of the greatest athletes to ever wear Kentucky Blue. He was put behind the 8-ball on day one when the Raiders drafted him to play running back. Traded to the Miami Dolphins before his first NFL Training Camp ended, Bowden flashed at times back at his natural wide receiver position. Unfortunately, a hamstring injury sidelined him for the entire 2021 season.

More recently, Lynn Bowden spent time on the New England Patriots practice squad. They released him from a futures contract this spring. He spent the offseason working out in Lexington and found a landing spot alongside in New Orleans. This is likely the last chance Lynn Bowden will get to make a roster at an NFL Training Camp. He must make the most of it.

Familiar Faces in New Places at NFL Training Camp

While conducting research for this post, I was struck by how many former Kentucky football players are now on different NFL franchises. I remembered a few marquee moves, but some came as a complete surprise.

Randall Cob: Green Bay Packers –> New York Jets
Bud Dupree: Tennessee Titans –> Atlanta Falcons
Lonnie Johnson: Tennessee Titans –> New Orleans Saints
Za’Darius Smith: Minnesota Vikings –> Cleveland Browns
Mike Edwards: Tampa Bay Buccaneers –> Kansas City Chiefs
Chris Westry: Carolina Panthers –> Cleveland Browns

Westry is another former Wildcat that is a fringe 53-man roster player. Logan Stenberg might be in a similar situation in Detroit. Hopefully he’s around to see the end of the road for the Lions’ turn-around under Dan Campbell.