Every year 2,880 players make their way to 32 NFL training facilities nationwide chasing a dream. That dream, of course, is to play in the NFL. Veterans, drafted players and undrafted free agents compete for 53 coveted roster spots. Once roster selections are complete, up to 16 additional players continue their dream as team practice squad members.
Each year a handful of players are signed as UDFAs and endure the grind, making an NFL roster. While dozens make a decent career, a few go on to great careers. Currently, 22 players in NFL history have defied the odds, achieving the ultimate: Enshrinement in the NFL Hall of Fame. The last UDFA to be awarded a gold jacket is QB Kurt Warner, who entered the NFL Hall of Fame in 2017.
Today, as we anxiously await the start of training camp, we look at two long shots hoping to get noticed in Lake Forest when training camp begins: one offensive player and the other along the defensive line.
Thyrick Pitts WR UFDA Delaware
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The road to making the team at WR has never been more challenging for a young receiver in Chicago. That seems hard to believe for a team with a glaring weakness at this position for years. The off-season additions of a true WR1 in DJ Moore and drafted speedster Tyler Scott will challenge the WRs vying for a spot on the roster that much tougher.
On the surface, Pitts has decent numbers. Reportedly he has run a 4.37 40, which would rank him as one of the faster men in the WR room. Coming out of Delaware (Colonial Athletic Association), Pitts did turn some heads during the school’s pro day in March. Speed, explosiveness, and soft hands, but easy to press coming off the line. If he can make a few plays during the preseason, he can stay with the team with a spot on the practice squad. He could end up on the 53-man roster if there is an injury or two.
Terrell Lewis OLB
Terrell Lewis was a late addition to the roster last year. He was signed to the practice squad in December and elevated to the active roster at the end of the season. He was drafted in the third round of the 2020 draft by the L.A. Rams. Lewis was waived in December of 2022, and Ryan Poles signed him to the practice squad days later. Several media members commented on Lewis’ play after the first day of the mandatory minicamp; Lewis blew past OT Darnell Wright three times and would have been credited with two sacks.
If Lewis can continue to be noticed with plays like this, could he end up being the edge rusher the Bears desperately need? Only time will tell.
Everything begins to be unraveled when training camp starts later next month.
@gator joe…. agreed…and D’anthony jones out of UofH… both will SURPRISE at camp and HOPEFULLY during the season.
Word to the wise: Keep an eye on Terrell Lewis in camp. This guy was raw coming out of Alabama and had endured some injuries like EJax. He has all kinds of physical ability. If he can get it together he is capable of being a force off the edge.
amp starts