The UFL is proving to be a direct pathway to NFL training camps. At present, 55 UFL players from last season scored training camp tryouts with NFL teams. Not every training camp tryout leads to NFL success. The majority of players don’t get signed. However, several UFL talents are making every snap count. These players stand the best chance of making an NFL roster.
No matter how talented an athlete is or how well he performs, if the NFL team doesn’t have an immediate need for a player at that position, the chances are slim he’ll make the roster. Some NFL teams are more open to rostering spring football players than others, particularly if they’ve had previous success. Among the more “UFL-friendly” teams are the Dallas Cowboys, the Detroit Lions, and the New England Patriots.
The Detroit Lions currently roster eight UFL players from across the league; the most of any other NFL Team. This past weekend, St. Louis Battlehawks‘ RB Jacob Saylors and All-UFL Team RB Saylors and D.C. Defenders’ Deon Jackson had an opportunity to showcase their abilities.
Jacob Saylors -Detroit Lions Running Back
Saylors continues to impress the Detroit coaching staff. Appearing in three games for the Lions, Saylors has produced 80 yards on 24 carries. On Saturday, he had his best preseason outing, leading the Lions’ ground game with 13 carries for 39 yards. He recorded one reception for five yards and two kick returns for 61 yards.
Jackson, an NFL veteran, was signed by the Indianapolis Colts in 2021 as an undrafted free agent. In his first start for the Colts, he posted 121 scrimmage yards and scored a touchdown. Before his standout season with the Defenders, Jackson spent time with the Cleveland Browns, the New York Giants, and the Jets. Signing with the Lions on August 10th, Jackson appeared in his first preseason game Saturday and recorded 20 yards on four carries.
Both men face an uphill battle to make the roster. The Lions’ running back room features the NFL’s best RB duo with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs as their elite one-two punch. NFL veteran Craig Reynolds is well-positioned to assume the third slot.
However, Saylors has the kind of versatility that Detroit looks for in a player. Furthermore, he has a strong advocate in former Battlehawks offensive coordinator Bruce Gradkowski, who is now part of the Lions coaching staff. Saylors warrants strong consideration for the roster spot.
Nick Whiteside -Detroit Lions Cornerback
Nick Whiteside has been impressing the Lions coaching staff throughout training camp. On Saturday, he was given more opportunity and responded with five tackles and a pass defense. Whiteside is competing for a roster slot against Michigan Panthers cornerback D.J. Miller, who contributed four tackles, one TFL, and two PBRs on Saturday.
The Lions’ cornerback room already features some heavy-hitting talent with free-agent D.J. Reed and Rock Ya-Sin, along with Amik Robertson and Terrion Arnold. Whiteside is competing against Miller, Tyson Russell, Allen George, and Luq Barcoo for a backup position. Of the group, Whiteside has been the most consistent producer and more deserving of a roster spot. At the very least, he should make the Lions’ practice squad.
Keni-H Lovely -Jacksonville Jaguars Cornerback
Sometimes, the opportunity for a tryout amounts to only a quick look before the player is released. However, in the case of former Michigan Panthers cornerback Keni-H Lovely, that can lead to a better opportunity. Upon his release from the Arizona Cardinals, he was immediately snapped up by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Lovely made an impact this weekend, scoring a clutch interception off New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler. Although the game ended in a 17-17 tie, the play was one of the highlights for Jacksonville fans.
One memorable moment for Panthers fans this past season was Lovely’s pick-six against the Houston Roughnecks.
Liam Fornadel -New York Jets OG
D.C. Defenders’ offensive guard Liam Fornadel is getting an opportunity with the New York Jets. This weekend, he played 29 snaps and didn’t allow a single quarterback pressure, earning a PFF score of 73.2. Fornadel joins two other UFL teammates on the Jets’ roster: former Birmingham Stallions quarterback and UFL League MVP, Adrian Martinez, and wide receiver Brandon Smith. Although both spent the majority of their time on the Jets’practice squad last year, Martinez is currently QB 3 and could move up with Tyrod Taylor recovering from knee surgery.
Alec Lindstrom -New Englad Patriots C
Former Memphis Showboats center Alec Lindstrom has a good chance to make the Patriots roster. After signing with the Dallas Cowboys in 2022 as a UDFA, Lindstrom had stints with both the LA Rams and the NY Jets before finding success in Memphis. After not allowing a single pressure in 30 snaps this past weekend, Lindstrom could find himself an NFL roster spot with the UFL-friendly Patriots.
While not every training camp tryout leads to NFL success, there are several spring football players currently playing in the NFL. Kickers Brandon Aubrey and Jake Bates, OLB Dondrea Tillman, and DT Jeremiah Pharms have all found success in the NFL.
The New England team has a strong history of signing spring football players to its roster. Defensive tackle Pharms and kicker John Parker Romo are two players who have found success with New England. Although Romo has competition for the job this preseason, he has been perfect thus far, kicking two out of two field goals, including a 57-yarder and three extra points. Their story paves the way for the many UFL hopefuls who dream of following in their footsteps.
