Hot: Kendric Pryor
Out of all of the UDFA wide receivers coming in, Kendric Pryor didn’t get talked about as much as guys like Jaivon Heiligh and Kwamie Lassiter. That was probably because his stats during his final year at Wisconsin weren’t worth writing home about (416 receiving yards and three touchdowns) but he’s proven to people that he does deserve to be in the 53-man roster conversation.
Pryor has put up some solid days with the team just one week into training camp. While it’ll be a tough climb for him to get onto the 53-man roster, with him showing off his skills and Trenton Irwin not impressing too much, he can absolutely make it happen.
UDFA WR Kendric Pryor with another strong day. Had a great rep versus rookie Cam Taylor-Britt in 1-on-1s, makes a sliding catch in team drills.
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) August 2, 2022
Not: Pooka Williams
Special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons didn’t hold back when discussing some players’ chances of making the team. Pooka Williams was one of the players who Simmons was pretty honest with, recounting that he told both William and UDFA rookie Kwamie Lassiter that they’d only be on the team if they could make it as a punt returner.
ST coordinator Darrin Simmons on WRs Pooka Williams and Kwamie Lassiter: "I told Pooka and I told Kwamie the same thing, the only way you’re going to be on this team is you’re going to be punt returner. That’s your only chance to be on the team."
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) July 27, 2022
Unfortunately for Williams, he hasn’t shined bright in this role so far. He made the practice squad last year and did see limited time as a return specialist but didn’t impress. This year, he has to show that he can a reliable punt returner and sadly, he’s already fumbled during camp this season. Not a great look for someone vying to be a special teams contributor.
These six players made this list because they’ve either been impressive one week into training camp, or they’ve been disappointing. Will the ones who are in the ‘not’ category turn things around?