Which undrafted free agents will make an impact in the NFL in 2022?

Central Michigan wide receiver & return specialist Kalil Pimpleton

Return specialist – Kalil Pimpleton, Central Michigan (Detroit Lions)

Let’s not sugarcoat this – Pimpleton is tiny at just under 5’8”, 175 pounds with an absurdly small below-70 inch wingspan. So for that size, you’d like him to run a little bit faster than the 4.49 he had in the 40 at the Central Michigan pro day. He’ll also turn 25 years around Super Bowl weekend, and he never cracked 1,000 years in the MAC. So considering that, where he ranked on consensus boards, as the 52nd receiver and 410th overall prospect, isn't shocking. However, he’s a very fun player to watch on tape. Pimpleton has some serious acceleration off the line and that extra gear to blow by defenders on slot fades, as well as quickly stop his momentum to create separation as he snaps off routes. He did drop eight passes last year, but it wasn’t a hands issue, but rather just him taking his eyes off the ball before the catch was secured, as he was trying to look downfield already. Because he can adjust to throws that are slightly off target, has that turbo once the ball is in his hands and can make people miss in a hurry. With that being said, he might not ever be anything more than a role/gadget player on offense, but this kid could return kicks for Detroit. Because the Chippewas put the ball in his hands in so many different ways on offense, they saved him on special teams to some degree, but on the 16 punts he got a chance on, he averaged 19 yards per return and took two back to the house against Western Michigan, sparking that comeback. With the way he can slalom around the defenders and that speed to burn angles towards the sideline, he could immediately make an impact for the Lions in that area, considering that it's not believed Kalif Raymond or Godwin Igwebuike were anything special for them last season.