I figured everyone could benefit from updates (stats and otherwise) about every Hokie that is on an NFL roster, so I'll do it for the next three weeks after this.
Here's the list, according to ESPN.com:
James Anderson, OLB Bears: Anderson is listed as Chicago's starting outside linebacker on their recently released depth chart. He had 1 tackle in the Bears' first preseason game.
Nick Becton, OT Chargers: Becton signed with San Diego after going undrafted, not a bad move considering the Bolts' lack of tackle depth. I couldn't find a snap chart, but Becton seems to find himself in the mix to make the team.
Jarrett Boykin, WR Packers: Had two catches for 8 yards, but does not seem in danger of being cut because he's listed as the second strong wideout behind Randall Cobb. Fantasy super-sleeper anyone?
Duane Brown, LT Texans: Brown's only the best left tackle in football. Not sure if you were aware.
Rashard Carmichael, CB Texans: Apparently Roc got beat a few times, yet finished with only one tackle. He's still listed as the teams fifth corner, so he appears in pretty good standing to make the team, but this guywasn't too high on his performance.
Kam Chancellor, SS Seahawks: Kam had 3 tackles in limited snaps. He's pretty entrenched as the team's starting strong safety.
Danny Coale, WR Cowboys: Coale had one catch for a single yard in the Cowboys first two preseason games. While he's showing flashes in camphe is still listed as a 4th string receiver, making it look like he's on the outside looking in for a roster spot. It may possibly be practice squad round 2 for Coale.
Marcus Davis, WR Jets: Due to an injury, Davis was cut by the New York Jets before the preseason started.
Brandon Flowers, CB Chiefs: He's one of the best corners in the NFL. His roster spot is pretty safe.
Corey Fuller, WR Lions: Fuller looks to be battling for the fifth receiver role in Detroit with a ton of other guys. He only got seven snapsagainst the Jets. While that doesn't seem to bode well, it seems as if the organization (and particularly head coach Jim Schwartz) has taken an interest in him.
Shayne Graham, K Browns: Now a Brown, Graham is in a two-way battle with Brandon Bogotay, best known for backing up Blair Walsh at Georgia. Graham went 1-1 on FGs in Cleveland's first preseason game, but the battle looks to be in a dead heat.
Cody Grimm, SS Buccaneers: Everyone's favorite whip is still playing in Tampa Bay, backing up strong safety Mark Baron. He got a ton of snaps against the Ravens in week 1, and has been getting looks on special teams and dime safety. He seems a pretty solid bet to make the team.
DeAngelo Hall, CB Redskins: Although he was cut this winter, Hall signed a cheaper 1-year deal to stay in Washington. Although he is more than likely going to miss the rest of camp and all of the preseason with an ankle injury he'll have more than enough time to do DeAngelo things come Week 1.
Jayron Hosely, CB Giants: Hosely is improving after a rough rookie year, and will see a ton of time in what is supposed to be an improved Giants secondary.
Jeff King, TE Cardinals: King is listed as the second tight end in Arizona, but missed the first preseason game with knee issues. He's just coming back slowly after surgery in the offseason, but King better hope to come back soon, with younger (and cheaper) tight ends knocking on the door for his spot.
Will Montgomery, C Redskins: Montgomery is the Redskins' starting center, and it doesn't look like that's changing. Here's a really cool story about him presenting a rule change for long snappers.
Josh Morgan, WR Redskins: Morgan is currently listed as a starting wide receiver for Washington, and had 3 receptions for 39 yards. It looks like he will get some solid playing time in D.C. this year.
Vinston Painter, OT Broncos: Painter got a lot of run in Denver's first game...and did not fair well at all. Apparently he got roasted several times, making people think that there's a good chance that he doesn't make the 53-man roster. (Scroll down to the OL section of this link).
Eddie Royal, WR Chargers: Royal saw 12 snaps in the Chargers' first preseason game, catching a single pass for six yards. With a starting receiver spot currently up for grabs, and Royal finally being healthy, he certainly has a chance to be the number two guy.
Andre Smith, TE Cowboys: There's a strong chance that the Cowboys will keep four tight ends, but apparently Smith has made enough of an impression to make them consider putting him on the 53-man as well. This makes him a second Hokie in a race for the last few spots on Dallas' roster.
Darryl Tapp, OLB Redskins: Tapp is listed as the backup outside linebacker in a 3-4, backing up Ryan Kerrigan. Not a bad spot to be in for an NFL veteran. The thing to watch with Tapp is his transition from end to linebacker, but his roster spot is safe.
Tyrod Taylor, QB Ravens: Tyrod had a great gameagainst the Bucs, going 13-23 for 154 yards and two scores. He also had a few nice scrambles, making it known that he is a viable backup for Joe Flacco.
Bruce Taylor, LB Bengals: One of the stars of HBO's Hard Knocks, Bruce is battling with a few Bengal draft picks for a backup role as either a middle or outside linebacker (he says they're working him at both). However he only got 10 snaps in for the team, so the jury is still out about his future with the team.
Alonzo Tweedy, FS Giants: Tweedy is currently listed as third string free safety. We all know what he can do, and if he has any chance of making a team (or even a practice squad) he needs to do it through special teams. According to the Newark Star-LedgerTweedy didn't see a snap in week one. That's concerning for his chances.
Michael Vick, QB Eagles: Vick seems to be leading the quarterback race, well...I guess it depends who you ask.
Ed Wang, OT Eagles: Wang is listed as third string left tackle. He needs to sure up is spot on the team, but has missed an extended amount of time with a knee injury. That won't help his case to make the team.
Eddie Whitley, CB Eagles: Whitley is apparently playing corner for the Eagles, but at least one site thinks he makes the 53-man due to versatility.
Ryan Williams, RB Cardinals: Ru missed the first preseason game with knee issues (recovering from his injury). Now, there's some question as to whether or not he'll play in week two. It doesn't matter whether or not his coach is rooting for him, if he can't get on the field we may see him looking for work soon.
David Wilson, RB Giants: Wilson is thought by everyone to be the Giants' starting running back. He ran for 16 yards on five carries, but apparently missed his blocking assignment at the end of the first half. This could end up being a problem if Wilson wants to be an every-down back.
Jason Worilds, OLB Steelers: It's crunch time for Worilds. After spending a second round pick on him in 2010, PIttsburgh drafted him to be the eventual replacement for James Harrison. Now, with Harrison gone, Worilds is battling for a starting linebacker spot with rookie Jarvis Jones. Things don't seem to be going all that well.
That's it, but I'll be sure to keep everyone updates as we see roster moves and cuts week by week.
Comments
I thought the Giants signed Marcus Davis?
EDIT: It looks like the Jets resigned him and placed him on the IR
The Giants signed him immediately after the draft, but waived him. http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/05/15/jets-claim-marcus-davis-...
Hmm, on the Jets' website, it says he was paid an injury settlement on Aug 5th but then placed on IR on Aug 7th. I'm not sure where that leaves him.
http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/transactions/_/name/nyj/new-york-jets
I know he is a Hokie and I'm risking some down votes but man, who cares? Marcus Davis was a selfish and lazy player. He cared about himself more than the team and dropped so many passes that hit him square in the hands it was embarrassing. But not half as embarrassing as the video of him half-assing, or not even attempting, all his blocking assignments.
Far side blocking assignments are forgotten by 90% of people watching the game, so that should tell you just how terrible he was to have that video made of him.
I hope he finally gets his attitude right and finds a team that he can play for, but I hold no love for this particular former Hokie.
Umm I'm pretty sure you'd only get down votes if you thought he was a team-first guy. As much talent as he had it truly is a shame that Davis didn't take advantage of it. Had he listened, blocked, and did the small things he very easily could've been a high draft pick.
http://deadspin.com/5959914/virginia-tech-receiver-marcus-davis-doesnt-f...
ahhh.... now I'm just pissed off because I had to go back and watch just how pathetic he was all over again....
If only Corey Fuller had come to VT as a freshman....
Hear. Hear.
That video makes Davis look like he was an actor starring in a movie about a guy who never blocked. His lack of effort was THAT over the top.
No downvote, but I think we all can agree that his play against bc last year was a key part of keeping the bowl streak alive. We had to win the game and it went to overtime; all six/seven of his points mattered. Yes he did us wrong at times with his prima donna (used properly) attitude but he also did some good for us.
Davis said his shoulder (which I believe has been a concern for some time now) will require surgery. Hence the move to IR.
They cut him about a week after signing him.
Here's the link
Tapp at OLB is odd. As much as I loved Deangelo that guy exemplifies risky CB play. He either gets a pick or is burned for 30 yards. Normally the latter. Worilds looked good in the first preseason game from what I saw. The Steelers never get a lot of pressure in the preseason since Lebeau doesn't really come up with his crazy blitzes yet.
OLB is essentially the end position in the 3-4...and Deangelo can be lock down and I would say has got better with age...he was lockdown for the skins last year in an otherwise abysmal secondary. Plus he took a pay cut cause he likes playing in Washington...he the man
It's not exactly the same. An OLB in a 3-4 needs to have cover skills, be able to matchup with a tight end on occasion. The switch from DE to OLB is much tougher than people tend to think.
In the game against the Titans DT looked like he was doing allright rushing, holding contain, dropping into coverage. Titans didn't go at him much to test him.
Maybe I'm an awful person for saying this so sorry in advance if this hurts anyone's feelings.
I think D-Hall is awful, I don't know why the Skins resigned him. He has the talent for sure and his career as a Hokie was phenomenal!!! But he just seems to have gotten way to cocky as of late and does nothing but hurt the Skins in key situations because he can't keep his mouth shut. I don't know how many times I yell "SHUT UP DEANGELO!!" during a game.
On a positive note, I hope Wilson has a great year and becomes a premier NFL back, he is so close and he definitely has the talent and the market to shine.
I didn't realize so many Hokies were fighting for not only roster spots, but active roles as well. Great read, Brian!
Hall got better as the year went along and absolutely put a clinic on during the last game of the season vs. the Cowboys. He can be good when he wants to. The Redskins cut him with the intention of resigning because he was due a large amount of money and the Redskins are still working with the collusion-salary cap penalties. Plus, if you know much about the Redskins, the secondary was the weak point and was addressed in the draft (because they had no money for free-agency) and they need any half-way-decent person back there. Hall scares me because he likes to make the big play, but he came back and cheapened his contract.
I just can't stand all jawing. Call it a pet peave I guess, but I hate a guy that makes a routine pass break up or tackle and acts like he just made a game-saving interception and then gets burned on the next play......
The Skins had a bad perception at one point last year for needing an attitude adjustment and he doesn't help that.
I don't recall the Skins having a bad perception, but I know that there are certain players who need to adjust their on-field attitude. If you ask me, D-Hall is starting to realize this because he is getting old and just got cut and resigned for a cheap price. I, too, cringe at the way Hall plays but as I said before. With the cap space, rookies on D, and the existing personnel...there isn't much else we can do. That being said, I don't think Hall is awful, just needs more discipline. The last half of last season is a testament to the secondary meshing and becoming better(not great, just better).
I seem to remember D-Hall having an attitude while at Tech, too....and the mouth to go with it. I think he had several penalties for taunting, usually at a critical point in the game. And I remember the preseason preview where he said he thought he could win the Heisman, and play on both sides of the ball (while he did not win the Heisman, as we know, he did get in some limited offensive snaps).
Well we did have Deangelo Hall and Albert Haynesworth on the same defense.
I can't stand it when a guy goes on and on after essentially doing what he's paid to do - catch, tackle, pass breakup, what have you.
But I have noticed that Hall is the guy on D (and the secondary especially) that shows his teammates that you don't back down from another player getting in your face and if someone gets in a tussle, he's always there to back up his guys. He's not winning any sportsmanship ESPY's, but he does show a mental toughness that was definitely lacking since Darrell Green retired.
He had an awesome second half to last year. While his bantering is always annoying, he is far from awful.
Not many people can shut down Dez the way he did in week 17. Until he proves it ill be skeptical, but he seems to have found a new humility, especially with him taking a huge pay cut to come back to the team.
Dez was hurt in that game, Hall didn't do anything great to shut him down. The Cowboys were playing their 3rd and 4th string receivers by the end of the game. I think Miles Austin had to come back in with an injury just to have 3 receivers.
It was all Redskins, baby. Dez was hurt because we MADE him hurt!
My opinion on D-Hall is this. When he's on a winning team, he's one of the best teammates and has the heart of a champion. When he's on a losing team, he's a me-first, play hard one play, take-off another, unsportstman-like A-hole. He was at his best when he was on the Hokies and at his worst when he was on the Raiders (after a huge payday). He wasn't the best guy to have around the Skins in 2008 - 2011, but really turned it around in 2012. This offseason pay-cut showed that he's putting the team before his personal goals. I wish him the best and hope he retires with his home-team gracefully. #HTTR
Looking at this list I can see why my Dolphins aren't doing so great...No Hokies!
Did I miss Eddie Royal get cut from San Diego?
I don't think he got cut, could be wrong though. Via Wikipedia (not the most credible source) says, "On March 15, 2012, Royal signed a three-year contract with the San Diego Chargers worth $13.5 million, $6 million of which is guaranteed."
No, he's expected to start. Especially if Malcom Floyd's injury is serious.
thanks for this brian, thats a lot of busy work looking for news on everybody. we appreciate it!
What strikes me (and always does) is that we've put some decent OL talent into the NFL and yet our OL in Hokies games has consistently been the weak link for how many years? Just more indication that the offense for VT was outta whack. Amazing that Beamer let that situation go on as long as he did. Hopefully Loeffler and Grimes can clean that up.
I know that Dyrell Roberts didn't get picked up. Does anyone know what he is up to?
I really hope Painter gets things together. Its really cool to be able to say that I once did an assignment in college with a guy who's now playing in the NFL
The typos are killing me, Brian.
Needsspaces
Wasn't Antoine Hopkins on the steelers?
I heard a couple of weeks ago that he's waiting on a call back. But, he's starting his own business in case the NFL doesn't work out.
Ahh thanks!
Jason Worilds looked REALLY BAD in the Steelers' first preseason game. He takes way too many stupid penalties, and just didn't look that good. I want him to do well, but I wouldn't be shocked if he got buried on the depth chart.
The thing is that the steelers don't tend to start rookies. Therefore, I think he is pretty much a lock to start at OLB. Jones didnt do much besides recovering a fumble.
I disagree, I think he looked about what I'd expect in the first preseason game. He's not a phenomenal pass rusher but he fills in his gaps well on the run. In the long run he isn't the answer there, they made that clear by picking Jones. But the we don't start rookies on defense unless they are on another level.
I fully expect Tyrod to be #2 behind Flacco. Tyrod showed a solid air attack in addition to his already established running ability. I can't say I want Flacco to be injured, but I would be curious as to how Tyrod would handle a starting role.
Agreed, I don't see the Ravens keeping 3 qbs. I also think Tyrod will be gone after this year. I think he will try to get more playing time and to finally show the NFL that he can play with the best.
I was sitting right behind the Bears bench at the Panhers' game and for what it's worth, James Anderson was warming up the entire secon half as long snapper with the punter. I'm pretty sure he even handled a couple snaps in the game but alcohol had inhibited my ability to focus at that point. Not sure if he's being looked at as a back up or if he'll be in the mix as special teams captain or something.
I have a feeling that RW will start if he is healthy. Arians and him are both former Hokies, which really helps his case to start.
I hope he gets healthy and remains healthy, but that's a big IF. However, I do think he can be a starting running back in this league.
DW22 has his wheels on tonight.
That R. Wayne TD was extremely painful, but also kinda really awesome.
Hosley had a beautiful, 37-yd pick return.
I'm not a Giants fan, but it was nice to see Hosley get a gimmie pick and a nice return.