Former Kentucky Wildcats Competing in NFL Training Camps

Football is Back. Tonight you will get to see NFL teams compete on the gridiron. Even though the Hall of Fame Game is just a preseason performance, the sights and sounds from Canton will delight any football fan who is itching for action from training camps.

When the preseason game kicks off tonight at 8 pm EST on ESPN and ABC, you won’t see any of the starters for the Chicago Bears or the Houston Texans, but you might catch a couple of former Kentucky Wildcats.

After playing for three teams in five years, cornerback Lonnie Johnson Jr. is returning to the franchise that drafted him in 2019, the Houston Texans. Tight end Brenden Bates signed with the Chicago Bears as a free agent. Hopefully, you’ll see No. 87 log some reps in the Bears’ revamped offense. If not, there’s always a chance he gets the Hard Knocks spotlight. The Bears will be featured in the HBO documentary that debuts on Tuesday, Aug. 6.

Ray Davis Plagued by Early Fumbles

Ray Davis found a soft landing spot when the Buffalo Bills drafted the former Kentucky Wildcat in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. Given the opportunity to compete for the spot at RB2, the early portions of training camp have not been kind. He’s dealing with some early fumbling issues, coughing the ball up four times over the first six practices.

“What I liked, I talked last time about how when guys make mistakes you can tell how your team is by how they respond. You watch him and he’s able to move onto the next play,” said offensive coordinator Joe Brady.

“I think a lot of guys, especially young guys, have a tendency when they make a mistake, they let mistakes breed mistakes and it kind of bleeds into the next plays. He’s able to take a deep breath, and obviously be frustrated, but, alright, this next opportunity is another one. I’ve liked how he’s played and practiced.”

Kentucky Wildcats in NFL Training Camps

By KSR’s count, there are 26 former Kentucky Wildcats competing for roster spots in NFL Training Camps.

Ray Davis	Buffalo Bills
Mike Edwards	Buffalo Bills
Tayvion Robinson	Carolina Panthers
Trevin Wallace	Carolina Panthers
Josh Hines-Allen	Jacksonville Jaguars
Luke Fortner	Jacksonville Jaguars
Phil Hoskins	Arizona Cardinals
Will Levis	Tennessee Titans
Quinton Bohanna	Tennessee Titans
Dru Phillips	New York Giants
Wan’Dale Robinson	New York Giants
Jamin Davis	Washington Commanders
Chris Rodriguez	Washington Commanders
Devin Leary	Baltimore Ravens
Carrington Valentine	Green Bay Packers
Josh Ali	Atlanta Falcons
Bud Dupree	LA Chargers
Brandin Echols	New York Jets
Lonnie Johnson Jr.	Houston Texans
Darian Kinnard	Philadelphia Eagles
Kelvin Joseph	Kansas City Chiefs
Marquan McCall	Las Vegas Raiders
Jeremy Flax	Minnesota Vikings
Brenden Bates	Chicago Bears
Za’Darius Smith	Cleveland Browns
Landon Young	New Orleans Saints

Prove It Years for Players in NFL Training Camps

Obviously, throughout the list of 26 players in NFL Training Camps, there are varying degrees of job security. Josh Hines-Allen isn’t looking over his shoulder after signing a 5-year deal worth $141 million.

It’s difficult to specifically determine which players are on the chopping block ahead of the 53-man roster cuts without knowing the outs and ins of each team. Instead of focusing on the guys who may or may not make the team, let’s take a closer look at a few former Cats who must raise their level of play to extend their NFL careers.

Jamin Davis: The former first round pick led the team in tackles in 2022, then finished third last season after only appearing in 13 games. The Commanders’ new ownership declined his fifth-year option. He’s playing for a second contract this fall.

Brandin Echols: Similar to his old UK teammate, Echols is in a contract year for the Jets. After starting in 14 games as a rookie, New York drafted players ahead of him, yet he’s pushed through and made plays. Last fall he had a pick six and a pair of pass deflections, but the majority of his snaps were on special teams.

Luke Fortner: After an outstanding rookie season, the Jags’ center drew criticism as the team faltered down the stretch and missed the playoffs. PFF grades are not infallible, but he ranked 37th out of 55 NFL centers. He needs a nice bounceback to secure his future in Jacksonville.

Landon Young: The late-round draft pick has been a value play for the Saints. They haven’t had to pay him much on his rookie deal, all while he’s served a vital role as a swing tackle, starting in four games last fall. He’s also logged reps at guard. He must prove his worth this season to extend his NFL career.