Utes in the NFL

[Yergensen]

Last week’s NFL preseason games I followed both Snoop (trying to win Ravens QB2 job) and Cole Fotheringham (trying to make Raiders roster with 2 TE ahead of him).

Snoop was player of game and Cole was highest rated TE that played preseason week 1. Reports below…you guys have any news on how other Utes NFL preseason is going?

Fotheringham

Snoop

[krindor]

Utah

Clear Starters (7):

• Marcus Williams (FS, Baltimore)
• Jaylon Johnson (CB, Chicago)
• Garrett Bolles (OT, Denver)
• Julian Blackmon (S, Indianapolis)
• Matt Gay (K, Indianapolis)
• Cody Barton (LB, Commanders)
• Mitch Wishnowsky (P, San Francisco)

Safe on roster (7):
most of these guys should get fairly regular snaps and some may even end up as starters if they aren’t already

• Devin Lloyd (LB, Jacksonville): after disappointing last season, it’s uncertain if he’ll start, but he’s in no danger of being cut
• Tim Patrick (WR, Denver – IR): An Achilles injury ends his season before it starts. He was a lock to make the roster and likely contribute….but with missing this season and the previous, he’ll likely be released at season’s end
• Tyler Huntley (QB, Baltimore): After a (somehow) Pro Bowl season, he’s considered one of the better backups in the league 
• Zach Moss (RB, Indianapolis – IR): Was in line for a major role behind Jonathon Taylor, but is now out to start the year
• Clark Phillips III (CB, Atlanta): Will likely start with a ST role behind AJ Terrell, Jeff Okudah and Dee Alford, but has the potential to eventually displace Alford in the slot.
• Dalton Kincaid (TE, Buffalo): Lots of hype about him as a pass-catching threat for Josh Allen, but for now he’s sharing the role with (or even behind) Dawson Knox
• Braeden Daniels (OG/OT, Washington): Pretty far from playing, but as a 4th rounder, he has been fine, which is good enough to be secure in his rookie season

Likely to survive cuts (2):

• Leki Fotu (DT, Arizona): Almost certain to make it, but there’s a fair amount of uncertainty on the Cardinals’ defensive line and some young players looking good
• Britain Covey (WR/RS, Philadelphia): Every place I check has Covey making the roster for his special teams ability… but many also seem to have him as the last guy in

Right on the bubble (1):

• Eric Rowe (S/CB, Miami): It looks to be 50/50 if he makes the cut…though most that think he’ll be cut also suggest that the Panthers will bring him back immeidately after getting him through waivers.  His versatility and expereince make him more likely than not to make the roster, but it might not be right away

Likely cut (6):

• Jackson Barton (OT, Arizona): Spent last year bouncing between the Raiders’ active roster and practice squad, but haven’t seen him listed on any projections. Probably on the PS
• Mohamoud Diabate (LB, Cleveland): Nobody has him listed as making the 53…but multiple do peg him as someone to watch, especially because he’s apparently playing a major ST role.
  Probably a PS guy…but some potential to play himself into a role
• Darrin Paulo (OG/OT, Detroit): He’s spent the last few seasons mostly on the Lions’ practice squad while occasionally being on the active roster, but never playing.  Seems likely to be more of the same. Only listed here since he was on the active roster for this same team at points last year.
• Cole Fotheringham (TE, Las Vegas): Spent last year on Raiders’ practice squad. Nobody has him making the roster yet, but he’s lookd solid and a few do mention him as a guy to keep an eye on
• Nephi Sewell (LB, New Orleans): Basically the same story as Paulo (though Sewell did play 53 ST snaps and 1 on defense last year).  He’s a good ST guy, but unlikely to make the initial cut. In deference to him being active last year, I’m keeping him in this category for now, but likley to start on PS
• Javelin Guidry (CB, NY Jets): Guidry has bounced around from team to team, mostly on practice squads.  He’s incredibly fast (an official 4.29 40), and teams keep bringing him in for a look. A report last week said he’s making a surprisingly strong case, which bumps him up into this category
• Terrell Burgess (S, Washington): He’s the 5th or 6th safety which means it’s a long-shot, but not impossible. Versatility and ST contributions will be key

Almost certainly cut (2):

• Bradlee Anae (DE, NY Jets): Spent all of last year on the Jets’ practice squad.  They’re loaded at that position so there’s no pretty much no shot for him to make the cut there. He’ll be on the practice squad though unless another team grabs him
• Pita Taumoepenu (DE, NY Jets): Suffers from the same issue as Anae.  If anyone is reading this far in, Taumoepenu is a cool story though.  2021 he was Broncos practice squad only. 2022 he didn’t play. Then in Spring 2023 he played in the XFL and was their defensive player of the year which was enough to at least get him another look. If he plays well enough to make the PS, he could surprise.

Already cut (2):

• Logan Kendall (TE, Chicago): had a mini-camp invite with the Bears
• RJ Hubert (S, Miami): had a mini-camp invite from the Dolphins

Rostered last year, but not currently (2):

• Marquise Blair (S): Was a starter in 2020 before tearing his ACL that year.  Had another knee injury in 2021, then spent 2022 bouncing between practice squads.  Was signed by Eagles this spring before being released due to injury. Seems like he’s unfortunately likely done. Injuries suck
• Chase Hansen (LB): Was on the Saints active roster last season before sustaining a season-ending injury.  Not yet signed, could be a veteran option for some team 

BYU
Clear Starters (3)

• Fred Warner (LB, San Francisco): one of the top LB in the NFL
• Brady Christensen (OG, Carolina): starting LG for the Panthers
• Michael Davis (CB, LA Chargers): one of 3 starting CBs for the Chargers (along with JC Jackson and Asante Samuel Jr) though it’s still TBD if he’s one of the top 2

Safe on roster (8)

• Zach Wilson (QB, NY Jets): he’s the backup. No chance he’s the starter, but also not a chance he’s cut
• Tyler Allgeier (RB, Atlanta): will lose touches to Bijan Robinson, but still will have a role
• Sione Takitaki (LB, Cleveland): didn’t start last year until injuries opened a spot…but then played quite well until his own season-ending injury.  Think he likely starts, but with Walker and Owusu-Koromoah both returning as well, tough to say for sure…especially since Takitaki isn’t yet healthy
• Blake Freeland (OT, Indianapolis): Has a real chance to emerge as a starter, but for right now, the Colts have two quality tackles (Raimann and Smith) ahead of him.
• Puka Nacua (WR, LA Rams): Given the Rams depth chart and his draft stock, there’s no way he doesn’t make the 53-man roster.  Beyond that he has a chance to become a solid contributor.
• Khyiris Tonga (DT, Minnesota): Was a suprise cut in Chicago last year, eventually finding his way to the Vikings where he played well.  The loss of Dalvin Tomlinson and new DC Flores’ preferred 3-4 front mean he won’t be reliving last year’s cut-day unpleasantness
• Taysom Hill (TE/QB/?, New Orleans): Cutting him would mean $24M in dead cap.  Keeping him is only $7M in cap hit.  Even if he’s likely to play less (recent additions at QB, TE, RB all reduce his role), the Saints are in no position financially to cut him. As a side note, I expect him to be designated as a QB this season.  The new NFL rule allowing an extra QB to dress without counting against the active roster could be a huge boon for him and the Saints
• Jamaal Williams (RB, New Orleans): Though he’s unlikely to lead the league in TDs again, Jamaal Williams has a secure roster spot.  It’ll be interesting to see his role with Kamara and rookie Kendre Miller there.  He should get off to a good start though with Kamara suspended the first 3 weeks and Kendre a rookie.

Likely to survive cuts (2)

• Jaren Hall (QB, Minnesota): There’s a few reports out there speculating that the Vikings could try to put Hall through to the practice squad…but with the NFL now allowing an extra 3rd QB to dress, it seems likely the Vikings keep him just to get the extra active player dressing on game day
• Dax Milne (WR, Commanders): There’s some talk that Kazmeir Allen could take over KR/PR duties, but even in that case Dax likely does enough as a WR to make it.  He’s very close to being considered completely safe.

Right on the bubble (1)

• Ty’Son Williams (RB, Arizona): Helping his cause with a good preseason, but path is tough.  James Conner, Corey Clement and Keontay Ingram are all clearly ahead and Cardinals may only keep 3.  Plus they like Emari Demercado if they keep 4.  Keontay Ingram’s injury gives him a chance.

Likely cut (5):

• Zayne Anderson (S, Buffalo): spent most of last year on practice squads before getting activated and playing ST for the Chiefs with no defensive snaps. Long odds this season, as he’s behind Hyde, Poyer, Rapp and Hamlin at safety…plus Cam Lewis who is a CB/S and ST ace.  Best hope is to look good and get picked up elsewhere
• Matt Bushman (TE, Kansas City): He’s looked good…but Kelce and Gray are the top 2 and Jody Fortson is likely #3.  If Fortson’s shoulder injury lingers, then longtime Veach (Chiefs GM) favorite Blake Bell is likely next in line.  Bushman needs KC to keep 4 AND Fortson to be hurt (in which case he’d make the initial 53 over Bell since Bell isn’t subject to waivers and can be brought back the next day when Fortson goes on IR)… but he’s a near-lock for the practice squad at least.  He’s very close to being up a category
• James Empey (C/OG, Green Bay): After spending last year going from practice sqaud to practice squad for different teams before being activated late for the Dolphins, that’s probably his best hope here. Packers have a ridiculously deep and versatile line, and I couldn’t find any source with him on the 53 man roster (though ESPN did mention him as a name to watch)
• Kaleb Hayes (CB, Jacksonville): I couldn’t find anywhere listing him on a 53 man roster (or even as a tough cut), so he should probably be in the next category down… but there’s very limited reporting on Jacksonville and he has strong physical traits, so I’m hedging my bets to put him here
• Chris Brooks (RB, Miami): Mostert, Wilson, Achane and Ingold (a FB they love) are all locked into roster spots – and if the Dolphins decide to carry 5 it’s widely considered a battle between Salvon Ahmed and Myles Gaskin (with Ahmed in the lead).  Brooks is probably playing to get a practice squad spot… but at least he’s making good progress on that

Almost certainly cut (2):

• Chris Wilcox (CB, Pittsburgh): Drafted by the Bucs in 2021, cut in preseason, signed by the Colts who put him on their practice squad for the year.  Then cut in 2022 preseason by the Colts who again put him on the pratice squad…until they released him off that.  Then on the Cardinals practice squad last year.  Now with the Steelers, practice squad is probably the best-case scenario
• D’Angelo Mandell (CB, Dallas): UDFA, basically brought in as a warm body. I’m sure he appreciates the opportunity to potentially show something, but realistically he’s hoping to make the practice squad

Already cut (2):

• Harris LaChance (OG/OT, Indianapolis): Signed as a UDFA, cut 19 days later
• Payton Wilgar (LB, Kansas City): Received a mini-camp invite with the Chiefs, but never got a contract

Rostered last year, but not currently (4):

• Kai Nacua (LB/S): Made the Jets practice squad for the last month of the season after being unsigned in Septmber, October, November.  Currently with a USFL team and unlikely to play in the NFL
• Harvey Langi (LB): Played for 3 teams last year (Patriots, Broncos, Raiders), mostly on practice squad or ST and is currently unsigned.  Solid vet and leader who could get a role at some point
• Kyle Van Noy (LB/EDGE): Played well as a starter for the Chargers last season.  Not currently rostered, but I’d be surprised if he doesn’t get picked up.  The Ravens have been in talks
• Daniel Sorenson (SS): played surprisingly well last year for the Saints when he got a chance, but as a 33 year old safety with mediocre speed to begin with, he’s nearing the end of his opportunities.  

Utah State
Clear Starters (2):

• Bobby Wagner (LB, Seattle)
• Jordan Love (QB, Green Bay)

Safe on roster (2): 

• Dallin Leavitt (S, Green Bay): Has a large ST role
• Patrick Scales (LS, Chicago): Long-snapper means he’s safe, but without a huge role

Likely to survive cuts (2):

• Jalen Davis (CB, Cincinnati): depth option at CB for the Bengals last year, will likely do the same this season
• Deven Thompkins (WR/RS, Tampa Bay): most (but not all) projections have him making it.  His return duties likely keep him safe despite a number of intriguing young UDFA WR (Kade Warner and Rakim Jarrett)

Right on the bubble (1):

• Tyler Larsen (C/OG, Washington): A long-time Ron Rivera favorite, but the team drafted a center, so it’s 50/50 if he makes it

Likely cut (0): 
Almost certainly cut (5):

• Derek Wright (WR, Carolina): Spent last season on the Panthers’ practice squad, has a shot to do so again
• Nick Vigil (LB, NY Jets): Not even discussed in projecting certain cuts and who would make it
• Calvin Tyler Jr (RB, Cincinnati): Signed as a UDFA and didn’t get any time in their preseason game
• Brian Cobbs (WR, Arizona): No mention of him in any prognostications (though he did catch 2 for 22 yards and a TD in the Cardinals preseason game)
• Darwin Thompson (RB, <s>Seattle</s> Las Vegas): already cut by the Seahawks, he’s since signed with the Raiders and is filling a depth role while Jacobs holds out.  Hard to see him getting the nod there over Jacobs, Zamir White, Ameer Abdullah and Brandon Bolden, let alone younger upside plays (like Sincere McCormick) or Damien Williams (who started over Thompson in KC)

Already cut (2):

• Logan Bonner (QB, Indianapolis, Buffalo): Two mini-camp invites, but nothing came of either and he’s now rostered by the Calgary Stampeders
• Hunter Reynolds (S, Tampa Bay): Invited to Bucs minicamp, but never got traction beyond that

Rostered last year, but not currently (1):

• Tipa Galeai (LB): was a key special teams player for the Packers before dealing with a season-ending injury last season

Weber St + ^Southern Utah + #Utah Tech
Clear Starters (2):

• Braxton Jones^ (OT, Chicago): starting LT
• Taron Johnson (CB, Buffalo): one of the top 3 CBs on the roster, so I’m considering that a starter. Probably the nickleback role

Safe on roster (2): 

• Rashid Shaheed (WR/RS, New Orleans): Huge success story.  Last year he was listed as certain to be cut…and was.  But then he played on the practice squad, then on the active roster and did well. This year he’s WR3 and a likely (but not unchallenged) starter there
• Miles Killebrew^ (S, Pittsburgh): He’s safety #5 for the Steelers, but a bit of a special teams ace, so he’s pretty safe

Likely to survive cuts (1):

• Jonah Williams (DE, LA Rams): was a longshot last season before impressing in camp and making the team.  There’s some mild risk, but he’s heavily likely to make the cut

Right on the bubble (1):

• Sua Opeta (OG, Philadelphia): they like him and want to keep him…but he’s more likely to pass through waivers than some other options, so there’s a chance he ends up being cut in the hopes they can sneak him to the practice squad

Likely cut (0): 
Almost certainly cut (0): 
Already cut (2):

• Darrius Nash# (DB, Saints): Received mini-camp invite with the Saints
• Jake Gerardi^ (P, Kansas City): Received mini-camp invite from the Chiefs

this is all based off what I’m reading from various local reporters, with categories loosely as follows:

Clear starters those listed as #1 on the depth chart by the team or OurLads
Safe are guys who aren’t listed as starters, but are on every projection I found
Likely to survive were on nearly all charts, but there’s an off-chance they don’t make
Bubble were listed on some but less than 75%
Likely cut were rarely included in projections, but at least were mentioned as a tough cut
Almost certainly cut are guys who didn’t even get a mention in writeups

IR candidates are placed where they would be without IR.  In some cases it can hurt their chance of making the roster, but in others it can help.

[Yergensen]

Leave it to Krindor to have the data, literally all the data. Glad you’re a hybrid Utah fan. BTW – any insight as to why Harbaugh doesn’t see Huntley as clear cut QB2? Was it the goal line fumble in last year’s playoffs? The play call was stupid (sneak from the 2 yard line) and OC was let go. Don’t know if Huntley is in Harbaugh’s doghouse.

[krindor]

I don’t think Huntley is really in any danger of losing the backup role. Josh Johnson is clearly not the answer. I’d chalk it up to coachspeak and not wanting to tell Johnson and 2nd year player Anthony Brown that they’re not getting consideration for either of the top 2 spots.

[Ute2]

Moss should be back early in the year for the colts. Did I miss something?

[krindor]

Nope, I did. Will update

[RedRocks]

What is the source of this information? Very nice, thanks!

[krindor]

Gleaned by looking at the 53 man roster projections for each team from various local writers

[RedRocks]

So you put it together yourself? Nice!

I assumed you copied it from somewhere. I noticed all the HTML tags when you first posted it.

[krindor]

Oh yeah. I post both here and on CougarBoard. Grew up a Utah fan, went to BYU so am interested in both.

Wrote it up there (formatting is generally easier over there), but then thought it could be useful here so copied it over with all the html tags…most of which worked well, but a few needed to be modifed

[chinngiskhaan]

Really appreciate your thoughtful posts.

[Central Coast Ute]

Super bummed about Marquis Blair. I loved watching him play.

[rbmw263]

you are doing gods work

[cj13]

You forgot Terrell Burgess. He’s on the Commanders currently

[chaoticSpecialist]

One update from your awesome list, Matt Gay is with the Colts now, not the Rams.

[Central Coast Ute]

That’s right. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think he signed the biggest kicker contract in history.

[Author]

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