Cougars in the NFL: Preseason Wrap-up and Roster News

The NFL preseason football is in the books. We got to watch all of our favorite Cougars get the chance of their lives over the last 4 weeks. Some players shined and some were left behind. There were 19 former BYU football players who entered training camp. Who will make a roster and who will be left looking for other employment?

I’ve got all the answers and news thus far here.

Taysom Time

Taysom Hill has been one of the biggest story lines in local and national media leading into the start of the 2018 NFL football season. His special teams plays and his freak athletic ability as a QB have been leaving people dumb-founded all over the league.

Taysom has had a little bit of a rollercoaster ride throughout the 4 weeks of preseason football, but it was mostly positive.

Week 1 @ Jaguars- 8/9 for 72-yards passing, 7 carries for 52-yards rushing, 1 rushing TD, 0 INT

Week 2 vs Cardinals- 11/15 for 68-yards passing, 3 carries for 43-yards rushing, 2 INT, 2 lost fumbles

Week 3 @ Chargers- 7/8 for 66-yards passing, 1 passing TD, 6 carries for 35-yards rushing, 1 rushing TD, one 2-point conversion, 0 INT

Week 4 vs Rams- 10/17 for 159- yards passing, 1 passing TD, 3 carries for 31-yards, 0 INT

It appeared as though Taysom had the backup QB job under lock and key, until the Saints traded for Teddy Bridgewater from the New York Jets. Because of Taysom’s athletic ability and his special teams contributions, it is likely he will remain with the Saints, but crazier things have happened. Taysom has taken the league by storm and if he were to get cut, he will not be unemployed for long.

Baltimore Cougars

Every BYU fan was a Ravens fan this preseason. 3 of our own were in training camp with Baltimore this year, Bronson Kaufusi, Kai Nacua, and the late addition, Robertson Daniel.

All three of the BYU alumni had a fantastic showing in week 4 against the Redskins.

Despite the great showings, the Ravens announced this afternoon that they have waived Kai Nacua and Robertson Daniel. Bronson Kaufusi remains with the Ravens as of now. Kai got lots of attention during preseason and it is likely that he will be picked up by another team on waivers or at least make a practice squad.

Established Pros

Preseason was the chance for several of guys to make a team, but BYU already has several alumni that are already established in the NFL. Here’s how they performed.

Kyle Van Noy

KVN has found a home with the New England Patriots. In order to keep him healthy, KVN only played in a few series the last couple weeks. He’s a leader on the team and showed why this preseason. He racked up 9 tackles and a sack in the limited time he saw the field.

Jamaal Williams

Jamaal has set himself up to be the starting running back for the Packers this year. In only his sophomore season, Jamaal has established himself as a top running back in the League.

The Packers have been dealing with lots of injuries at the running back position and they have kept Jamaal surrounded in bubble wrap. Jamaal played in 2 games and only saw a single series in each game. He did give a flash of what’s to come this year with a touchdown catch and some impressive pass blocking.

Ziggy Ansah

Ziggy was battling through an injury leading into training camp this year. Because of that, he saw very limited playing time this preseason. But he did record a sack and few tackles in the little time he played. Ziggy is franchise tagged this year and next year it looks like he will be on the open market.

Rookie Sensation

Fred Warner has exploded onto the NFL scene and has instantly become a 49ers favorite. Fred was extremely impressive this preseason. He only played in 2 games, but in those 2 games, he stood out.

Fred recorded two identical games with 5 tackles including 3 solo tackles and a TFL in each game.

The 49ers said that, “It is very likely” that Fred will be the starting ILB week 1. Fred is going to have a big year for the 49ers and there is no doubt that he will be an important part of the 53-man roster.

Roster Bubble

There are several players who are dancing on the line of making a roster or getting cut. There have already been a few cuts so far, but here is where the rest of the fringe players stand.

Michael Davis, Chargers

Michael had a quiet but strong preseason showing. He has had a few tackles in every game but he hasn’t done anything to really stand out. The Chargers are light at DB this year and Davis has a chance to remain on the roster. The Chargers have not announced any cuts as of yet.

Jordan Leslie, Broncos

Jordan showed up to play this preseason. He was the leading receiver in 2 different games for the Broncos. Last night he had 5 catches for 70 yards and touchdown. Even with his impressive showing, the Broncos announced this morning that he has been waived. I will be surprised if Leslie doesn’t get picked up in the next couple days.

De’Ondre Wesley, Bills

Wesley has gotten a lot of playing time on the offensive line for Buffalo. The Bills are impressed with his strength and size. He is battling for a position on the Bills roster. He suffered an injury last week in practice. There has been no news as of yet.

Micah Hannemann, Chargers

Micah Hannemann, was recently picked up by the Chargers from the Browns. Micah had a decent performance during preseason. Last night he recorded 4 tackles for the Chargers. There has not been much talk on Hannemann in the media. The Chargers have not announced any cuts yet.

Injuries

Injuries have been plaguing Cougar Alumni this training camp.

Daniel Sorensen, Chiefs

Daniel suffered a knee injury early in training camp. He missed all of preseason and will miss a portion of the regular season. Luckily for Dan, he has a spot on the Chiefs when he is healthy.

Harvey Langi, Patriots

Langi suffered an internal tear injury early in training camp. It will be a few more weeks until he is reevaluated. The Patriots were really excited for Langi this year. Now, his fate is unknown. He may end up on the practice squad or the Patriots might put him on the IR list. No news as of yet.

Jonah Trinnaman, Jets

Jonah suffered a major fracture in his spine this training camp. He will miss the entire year. He is currently on the IR list.

Tejan Koroma, Chiefs

Tejan suffered a knee injury and will miss the rest of the year. He was waived/injured settlement by the Chiefs.

Colby Pearson, Falcons

Colby has been dealing with a nagging hamstring injury. He was waived/Injured settlement by the Falcons.

There is still a lot of news yet to be released in regards to final rosters. September 1st is the roster deadline. Every team will have their final 53 set in stone by then. Stay tuned to @BYUpros on twitter and to vanquishthefoe.com to learn the fate of your favorite Cougs.