8/19/2019 football Edit

Pack Pros: NFL preseason update

Matt Carter • TheWolfpackCentral

Editor

Here is a complete rundown of how former NC State football players trying to make NFL rosters are doing this preseason:

CB Johnathan Alston (Played at NC State from 2013-17), Detroit Lions: Was signed by the Lions just after camp started and quickly impressed ... Had a pair of tackles against the Houston Texans in the Lions’ second exhibition game, but he still likely faces an uphill battle for making the team ... Was an undrafted free agent that was picked up by the Miami Dolphins, but did not make the team last fall.

C Garrett Bradbury (2015-18), Minnesota Vikings: The highest-drafted center in Vikings’ history is expected to start from day one for Minnesota ... On a lighter moment, he made some headlines when quarterback Kirk Cousins jokingly complained about the amount of sweat Bradbury produces during practice.

QB Jacoby Brissett (2014-15), Indianapolis Colts: Completed 8 of 10 passes for 100 yards with a touchdown for a passer rating of 141.7 and also rushed for an 11-yard gain in a 21-18 loss to Cleveland Aug. 18 ... Could potentially start the Colts’ season opener because regular starter Andrew Luck is dealing with a high-ankle sprain that has kept him sidelined throughout training camp.

DB Juston Burris (2012-15), Cleveland Browns: The former fourth-round pick of the New York Jets is hoping to stick with the Browns at a new position: safety ... After playing cornerback previously, the Browns are working him as a safety and reports say he “has a clearer path” to making the 53-man roster at that spot ... Was a special teams captain for the Browns' first preseason game, during which he also had a sack, but did not play against the Colts in the second exhibition.

OLB Bradley Chubb (2014-17), Denver Broncos: The No. 5 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft finished his rookie season with 59 tackles (43 solo), 12 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one pass defended in 16 games, all starts, and in the process broke Von Miller’s previous team record for sacks by a rookie (11.5) ... Some are touting him as the next star defensive player in the NFL … Was the second-highest graded player (94.2 out of 100) in the league during week 2 of the preseason according to Pro Football Focus; he racked up three tackles, including a sack, and a forced fumble despite being on the field for just 15 snaps in that contest … He also had a QB hit that led to an interception and, according to NFL.com's Dan Hanzus, "Chubb was stronger and faster than both San Francisco blind-side protectors who attempted to stop him, one of them being six-time Pro Bowler Joe Staley. It's scary what the three-headed monster of Chubb, Von Miller and defensive wizard Vic Fangio is capable of."

P A.J. Cole (2015-18), Oakland Raiders: The undrafted free agent has won the preseason camp battle to be the Raiders’ starting punter, unseating incumbent Johnny Townsend … If nothing changes prior to the season opener, he would be just the second NC State punter to make a NFL roster ... Averaged 43.0 yards on four punts in the first preseason game and 49.4 on five boots in the second contest.

RB Matt Dayes (2013-16), New Orleans Saints: Spent his rookie season with the Cleveland Browns … After being cut last preseason, caught on with the San Francisco 49ers and was active for seven games ... Was waived last week by the New Orleans Saints, but went unclaimed. Dayes was placed on the team’s injured reserve for an undisclosed injury and will miss the entire season.

QB Ryan Finley (2016-18), Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals traded up towards the top of the fourth round to pick him, hoping he would secure the backup QB position to veteran starter Andy Dalton … Connected on 33 of 44 passes for 259 yards with three touchdowns and one interception in Cincinnati’s first two preseason contests … Some have said that he has been the most impressive rookie quarterback thus far this preseason … His top competitor for the backup job, Jeff Driskel, has been taking snaps at wide receiver in recent practices.

QB Mike Glennon (2009-12), Oakland Raiders: Trying to make the Raiders roster after his previous stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Chicago Bears ... Rebounded from a two-interception performance in the first preseason game by completing 11 of 14 passes for 175 yards with two touchdowns and no picks for a passer rating of 158.3 in a 34-27 win over the Arizona Cardinals last week … That may be enough to ensure he is the backup to starter Derek Carr, although former Buffalo Bills starter Nathan Peterman continues to push him for the roster spot … There is a chance that the Raiders could keep three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster.

WR Kelvin Harmon (2016-18), Washington Redskins: The rookie sixth-round choice is fighting for one of the Redskins' final roster spots at receiver ... In his preseason debut, caught a pair of passes for 17 yards against the Cleveland Browns … Last week he did not have a reception, but was the subject of two controversial offensive pass interference penalties, one of which his coach Jay Gruden unsuccessfully challenged … Is expected to make the Redskins’ 53-man roster, but the numbers are tight at receiver.

K Stephen Hauschka (2007), Buffalo Bills: After ending last season making only six of his final 11 field goal attempts while battling an injury, he has missed twice in the preseason thus far … However, the Bills have not yet expressed any concerns about their starting kicker.

DL B.J. Hill (2014-17), New York Giants: The former third-round pick finished last year with 48 tackles (32 solo), 5.5 sacks (a franchise record for a rookie) and two passes defended in 16 games, 12 of which he started ... He has been penciled in to return to his starting role this fall.

RB Nyheim Hines (2015-17), Indianapolis Colts: During his rookie season in 2018, carried 85 times for 314 yards (3.7 yards per rush) and two touchdowns, while hauling in 63 receptions for 425 yards (6.7 yards per catch) and two scores in 16 games (four starts) ... According to StampedeBlue.com: “Of the 120 running backs selected in the fourth round or beyond since 2010 (along with 24 notable undrafted free agents), only seven have finished their rookie seasons with at least 148 touches, 739 yards and 5.0 yards per touch” ... May be in line to return some punts this season and is a safe bet to make the Colts’ roster.

CB Dontae Johnson (2010-13), San Francisco 49ers: Aiming for a sixth year in the NFL and trying to make the team with which he spent the first four years ... Faces some challenging competition to earn a roster spot.

S Josh Jones (2014-16), Green Bay Packers: Has had a challenging offseason, with talk that the Packers may trade him at his request and then an injury that sidelined him the first week of training camp ... Some have speculated whether or not moving to linebacker would help him make the team ... He is currently on the bubble for the Packers’ final 53-man roster.

DT Justin Jones (2014-17), Los Angeles Chargers: After a positive rookie season, the former third-round choice impressed the Chargers by checking into preseason camp in better shape, including 20 pounds lighter from his rookie-year reporting weight ... Center Mike Pouncey called him the “most improved player from year one to year two” on the roster ... Is in line to potentially start this season, but he will also be pushed by rookie first-round pick Jerry Tillery.

OL Ted Larsen (2006-09), Chicago Bears: Entering his 10th season in the NFL and has started multiple games in each of the previous nine campaigns ... Back for his second stint with the Bears (started eight games for Chicago in 2016) and is perceived to be a safe bet to make the roster as a reserve.

WR Stephen Louis (2014-18), Houston Texans: The undrafted free agent caught three passes for 24 yards in the preseason opener against Green Bay … Is one of 12 receivers in camp for five to six roster spots and realistically is considered a long shot to make the team.

DL T.Y. McGill (2011-14), Los Angeles Chargers: Is on the roster bubble, but helped himself with a strong showing in the first preseason game when he earned the fourth-highest grade on the Chargers' defense according to Pro Football Focus ... Hoping to make a roster for a fifth year in the NFL after being an undrafted free agent.

TE Pharoah McKever (2014-16/Finished at FIU), Green Bay Packers: Spent last year on practice squads with the Browns and Jaguars after being an undrafted free agent ... Was picked up off waivers in the summer by the Packers, but is a long shot to make the roster.

WR Jakobi Meyers (2016-18), New England Patriots: Has been one of the bigger storylines in the Patriots training camp through two preseason contests … Caught a team-high 12 passes for 151 yards and two scores in those two contests, and was the only player to have multiple receptions (six) in the second exhibition … The undrafted free agent seems to have become a safe bet to make the team and potentially have a significant role during the season.

LB Germaine Pratt (2014-18), Cincinnati Bengals: The third-round choice of the Bengals has excited the defensive coaches and will almost certainly make the roster this season ... Although he could contend for a starting job, he is expected to begin the year as a reserve.

OT Will Richardson Jr. (2015-17), Jacksonville Jaguars: The former fourth-round pick missed most of last season while on injured reserve, but he has made big strides according to Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone and is pushing for a starting job at right guard while also working at right tackle.

QB Philip Rivers (2000-03), Los Angeles Chargers: Has started every game for the franchise since the beginning of the 2006 season, and has completed 4,518 of his 7,000 pass attempts (64.5 percentage rate) for 54,656 yards with 374 touchdowns … Is coming off a season in which he matched his career-best passer rating (105.5) … Has the eighth-most passing yards in league history and sixth-most scoring tosses … Is in the final year of his contract with the Chargers and will play it out before addressing it following the season.

RB Jaylen Samuels (2014-17), Pittsburgh Steelers: Finished his rookie season with 56 carries for 256 yards (4.6 yards per carry), and 26 receptions for 199 yards (7.7 yards a catch) and two touchdowns in 14 games played … He is set to see a larger role for the Steelers this year.

DL Kentavius Street (2014-17), San Francisco 49ers: After tearing his ACL in a pre-draft workout, the fourth-round pick was on the injured reserve for the 49ers all last season ... Has played primarily defensive tackle in the preseason and is competing for one of the final roster spots.

OG J.R. Sweezy (2008-11), Arizona Cardinals: Has started every game he has played the last five years, missing the 2016 campaign with an injury ... Projects to continue that streak with the Cardinals, with whom he signed in the offseason.

OG Joe Thuney (2012-15), New England Patriots: The stalwart and standout for the defending champs at left guard is in talks about a contract extension with his rookie deal set to expire ... Teams have reportedly inquired about him, but have been told by the Patriots that he is a “core piece” for New England and thus not available.

WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (2013-14/Finished at USF), Green Bay Packers: Competing for a starting job for the Packers and has impressed star quarterback Aaron Rodgers in training camp ... Caught 38 passes for 581 yards and two scores during his rookie campaign.

QB Russell Wilson (2007-09/Finished at Wisconsin), Seattle Seahawks: The biggest news from his offseason was signing a contract extension, a four-year, $140-million deal that made him the highest-paid player in the NFL.