Status of BYU (and Utah, USU, Utah Tech, SUU, Weber St) players after Week 1
Asterisks indicate players who are currently injured
BYU (15+4 practice squad)
Clear Starters (4)
- Fred Warner (LB, San Francisco): among the top LB in the NFL - quite likely THE top LB
- *Puka Nacua (WR, LA Rams): Currently on IR, but a clear starter when healthy
- Kingsley Suamataia (OT, Kansas City): Was in a preseason battle for the starting job, but won it and played well in Week 1
- Ryan Rehkow (P, Cincinnati
Kansas City): Based on reports, Rehkow mostly made the roster due to an injury of the other guy after Rehkow was inconsistent in the preseason. But then Rehkow took advantage, had a great Week 1 and probably has a hold on the job now
Potential starters or regular contributors (6)
most of these guys should get fairly regular snaps and some may even end up as starters if they aren't already
- *Kyle Van Noy (OLB, Baltimore): At his age, Kyle Van Noy had become more of a situational player, but excelled in that. He unfortuantely fractured his orbital bone, so will be out an indeterminate time
- Michael Davis (CB, Washington): After years of inconsistency with the Chargers (sometimes a top CB in the league, sometimes being benched), Davis had to sign a 1 year, $3.2M deal with Washington. He was competing with Forbes for a starting spot opposite St Juste (and with Sainristil in the slot) and they each took about 50% of the snaps (slight edge to Forbes) so it looks like that battle is continuing
- Tyler Allgeier (RB, Atlanta): After a great rookie year (1000+ yard at 4.9 yards per carry) he regressed badly as a sophomore (680 yards at 3.7 yards per carry). He'll need a bounceback year to stay in the long-term plans, and it's unclear if he'll get the opportunity. He was still RB2 but Week 1 was his fewest offensive snaps (10) in an NFL game
- *Sione Takitaki (LB, New England): Takitaki has spent the last few years opening as a backup for the Browns, coming into the starting lineup when someone ahead of him gets hurt, and then playing very well. And then getting hurt himself. Now he's with the Patriots as the top backup or a situational LB on passing downs...but got hurt in preseason.
- Taysom Hill (TE/QB/?, New Orleans): After lots of noise in preseason about Taysom playing a bigger role... his snap count and touch rate stayed almost the exact same as last year
- Jamaal Williams (RB, New Orleans): After being one of the worst RB in the NFL last season, he was behind Kamara and possibly Kendre Miller until Kendre couldn't stay healthy. He was on the field 1/3 of the time, mostly used in short-yardage situations
Primarily depth/ST (5)
these guys won't be playing barring injuries ahead of them... but for one reason or another, their roster spot is fairly secure
- Brady Christensen (OG, Carolina): In three years he's gone from LT to LG to backup LG to now the backup C. He played two offesnive snaps in the opening week
- Blake Freeland (OT, Indianapolis): Had a real chance last year to emerge as a starter, but couldn't pass the two quality tackles (Raimann and Smith) ahead of him. After a poor preseason, he stayed on the roster due to a shortage of other tackles, but didn't play at all in Week 1
- Zach Wilson (QB, Denver): After living on the roster bubble, Zach Wilson looked good enough in preseason to lock down the QB3 spot and a roster spot. It'll be interesting to see if he gets any snaps this year
- Khyiris Tonga (DT, Arizona): Drafted by the Bears in 2021, released after his rookie season. Then picked up for the Falcons practice squad in 2022, where the Vikings saw him and signed him a month later. He played fairly regular snaps in 2022 (36%) before dropping to 20% in 2023 and not being resigned. Now he's with Arizona for the near-minimum and a backup behind Bilal Nichols. Surprised by playing 26% of snaps in Week 1 and a candidate to move up a tier if that's not an outlier
- Zayne Anderson (S, Green Bay): Continues his history of never playing a defensive snap in his 4th NFL year....but being a solid ST player with an NFL job
Practice Squad (4)
- Jaren Hall (QB, Seattle
Minnesota): After initially making the roster, Hall was cut (for Brett Rypien of all people) by the Vikings and then chose to sign with the Seahawks practice squad
- Max Tooley (LB, Houston
Houston): Came in as a UDFA, but had a big preseason and barely missed the cut. He was the first signed to the Texans Practice Squad
- *Chris Brooks (RB, Green Bay
Miami): After making the Dolphins active roster as a UDFA in 2023, Brooks was cut/injured by the team in 2024 and has now caught on with the Packers practice squad
- Kedon Slovis (QB, Houston
Indianapolis): A UDFA, Slovis fell pretty clearly to the Colts' QB5 spot, so had no prospects there, but was signed to the Texans practice squad
Cut, currently unrostered (7):
- Dax Milne (WR,
Las Vegas Washington): Cut in preseason by the Commanders and then by the Raiders
- Samson Nacua (WR,
New Orleans): A late contract addition, Nacua was cut in preseason by the Saints
- Aidan Robbins (RB,
Cleveland): Robbins is a UDFA and frankly my most surprising unrostered BYU player, especially given the shortage of RB in Cleveland
- Chris Wilcox (CB,
Carolina LA Chargers): In the past four years he's been on the practice squads of the Bucs, Colts, Cardinals, Steelers, Chargers, and Panthers, with the latter two both cutting him this preseason
- D'Angelo Mandell (CB,
Washington): UDFA, basically brought in as a warm body by the Cowboys and then spent last year on the Commander's practice squad before being cut this preseason
- Kaleb Hayes (CB,
NY Giants): Cut by the Giants (possibly also the Broncos) in preseason
- Isaac Rex (TE,
Detroit): Signed by the Lions as a UDFA at the start of May, but cut within a few weeks. TBD if he'll get another opportunity elsewhere. His early cut and lack of interest elsewhere doesn't bode well for a practice squad spot
Utah (20+6 practice squad)
Clear Starters (10):
- Marcus Williams (FS, Baltimore): One of the better safeties in the NFL, in the 3rd year of a 5 year/$70M deal. Has missed a few games each of the last two seasons and the cap hits are going up, so safe for this year, but a possible cap hit after next seaso
- Jaylon Johnson (CB, Chicago): Had a breakout season and is now considered one of the top CBs in the NFL, including just signing a 4 yr/$76M deal
- Garrett Bolles (OT, Denver): After a rough start to his career, Bolles has turned into a solid blind-side protector and the clear starter there for the Broncos
- Julian Blackmon (S, Indianapolis): The clear starter for the Colts, they thought highly enough of him to bring him back on a $3.7M deal... but not highly enough to give him a multi-year deal. He's the clear starter...but needs to show well to keep that role in future seasons
- Matt Gay (K, Indianapolis): Considered one of the better kickers in the league at this point
- Mitch Wishnowsky (P, San Francisco): He's a punter. Pretty good at what he does
- Devin Lloyd (LB, Jacksonville): After disappointing at the end of his rookie year, he established himself as an every-down LB in his sophomore year, playing 97% of the snaps
- Clark Phillips III (CB, Atlanta): Phillips was initially seen as a nickel corner due to his size, but took over the starting boundary corner job as a rookie. There's not been a lot added there, so he's still the starter
- Dalton Kincaid (TE, Buffalo): A new entrant to this group after playing behind Knox last season, but his 84% snap rate combined with a lot of offseason hype is enough to elevate him
- Cody Barton (LB, Denver): Barton is still the #2 ILB in a Denver defense that theoretically runs a 3-4. But they were in SO much nickel in Week 1 that he had a 28% snap rate. If that continues, he'll move down, but a one-week sample isn't enough yet
Potential starters or regular contributors (5):
most of these guys should get fairly regular snaps and some may even end up as starters if they aren't already
- *Cole Bishop (S, Buffalo): The Bills recently moved on from both their starting safeties in Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer. Projections generally have Taylor Rapp starting at one spot and then either Bishop or Mario Edwards at the other. It's likely Bishop eventually takes the starting role, but with an early season injury, this might be a bit
- Zack Moss (RB, Cincinnati): Going into preseason, Moss was the clear lead back, but there's been noise that it might be Chase Brown. In Week 1, Moss had twice as many snaps and three times as many carries, so if that continues, Moss will go back up a tier
- Jonah Elliss (EDGE, Denver): There's a lot of edge rushers (OLB in the Broncos defense) and Elliss doesn't necessarily stand out from the pack, so likely won't open the season as the starter. But the team just invested a 3rd round pick in him, so will almost certainly be in the rotation - see his 31% snap share in Week 1
- Britain Covey (WR/RS, Philadelphia): Covey remains one of the premiere punt returners in the NFL and that's really the reason he's here. But it's worth noting that his two highest offensive snap shares have come in his last two games.
- Devaughn Vele (WR, Denver): Preseason expectations had Vele going to the practice squad. Then a stellar preseason got him on the roster and resulted in Tim Patrick being released. And in week 1, Vele led the Broncos in receptions and was #2 in targets, catching everything thrown his way (albeit not for a ton of yardage). He was the WR3 by snap count, playing over half the snaps - well ahead of Marvin Mims. If he keeps this up, he'll move up another tier
Primarily depth/ST (5):
these guys won't be playing barring injuries ahead of them... but for one reason or another, their roster spot is fairly secure
- Sione Vaki (RB/S, Detroit): Stuck behind Gibbs and Montgomery, Vaki had two offensive snaps, but played a major role in ST
- *Nephi Sewell (LB, New Orleans - IR/PUP): He's been a ST ace the past two years and was starting to get a few defensive snaps every game before being hurt. When he returns he'll be a ST guy again.
- *Leki Fotu (DT, NY Jets): See the BYU writeup on Khyiris Tonga. Fotu has more experience and has been cut fewer times, but the bottom line is still basically the same or maybe a bit more favorable for Fotu. As a NT he's never going to play a major role, but he's also unique enough to likely stay on the roster for the times he is needed. He's currently on IR but slated to return
- Sataoa Laumea (OG, Seattle): He was a bubble guy in preseason, but the Seahawks elected to carry 11 Offensive Lineman. No snaps in Week 1
- Mohamoud Diabate (LB, Cleveland): Diabate was a UDFA last season and one of the biggest surprises to make a roster, but played very well in preseason and made the roster mostly for special teams. He played 10% of the snaps in Week 1 (an upgrade over his 3% rate last year) so has potential to move up, but will need to do more for longer
Practice Squad (6)
- Tyler Huntley (QB, Baltimore
Cleveland): Huntley initially made the Browns active roster as one of 4 QBs.... but then was cut and resigned with the Ravens, ending up on the practice squad. There's some noise that the Packers may reach out to sign Huntley to their active squad with Love going down, but may also end up going with Tannehill or just running with what they have.
- Tim Patrick (WR, Detroit
Denver): After coming back from two season-ending injuries, he ran with the first team in the preseason, but was a surprise Broncos cut. Lions have signed him to the practice squad with the intention of getting him on the active roster. Should be fairly soon
- Thomas Yassmin (TE, Denver
Denver): Undrafted and signed as a UDFA, but teams get an extra spot on the practice squad for international playrs, which makes him an easy choice to keep there.
- Braeden Daniels (OG/OT, Houston
Washington): A 4th rounder in 2023, Daniels missed his rookie season with a torn pec. He's a bit of an unknown after not playing as a rookie and was cut by the Commanders, but then signed to the Texans practice squad
- Jackson Barton (OT, Arizona
Arizona): Spent 2022 bouncing between the Raiders' active roster and practice squad, then 2023 on the Cardinals practice squad. And now he's opening 2024 on the Cardinals practice squad again
- Marquise Blair (S, Seattle
Seattle Philadelphia): 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 spring 2023 before being released due to injury. They then resigned him in Spring 2024...and then re-released him due to non-football injury in April 2024. Too many injuries have taken their toll, but somehow he's found his way back to the Seahawks practice squad
Cut, currently unrostered (6):
- Cole Fotheringham (TE,
Las Vegas): Spent 2022 and most of 2023 on Raiders' practice squad, but was active for a few weeks in those seasons. Cut by the Raiders in preseason
- Keaton Bills (OG,
Buffalo): Brought in as a UDFA, the Bills released him on cutdown day and he hasn't found a home elswhere
- Miles Battle (CB,
Kansas City): Signed after the first wave of UDFA and competing with 2 other UDFA cornerbacks, so it was a longshot. Cut in preseason
- Bradlee Anae (EDGE,
Atlanta): Anae played out his initial contract with the Jets...but mostly because he was injured in 2023 and didn't count as taking a roster spot. He wasn't on a roster at the time of the draft, but since was signed by the Falcons. And then cut by the Falcons a few days before final cuts
- John Penisini (DT,
New Orleans): Penisini medically retired after 2022, then tried to come back in 2023 only to be waived due to a failed physical. There's enough talent/physicality there but he simply can't physically handle it anymore
- Terrell Burgess (S,
Buffalo Washington): Burgess was cut by the Commanders in 2023, signed to the practice squad...but then later activated and spent most of the season on the active roster. He has potential to be picked up by someone as
Utah State (3+1 practice squad)
Clear Starters (2):
- Bobby Wagner (LB, Washington): Bobby Wagner may not be what he once was, but continues to be a quality starter
- *Jordan Love (QB, Green Bay): Has turned into one of the more exciting young QBs in the NFL and just signed a record QB deal, but will be out for a bit with injury
Potential starters or regular contributors (0):
most of these guys should get fairly regular snaps and some may even end up as starters if they aren't already
Primarily depth/ST (1):
these guys won't be playing barring injuries ahead of them... but for one reason or another, their roster spot is fairly secure
- Patrick Scales (LS, Chicago): Long-snapper means he's safe, but without a huge role. He's also hurt, which is a huge issue and may result in him eventually being replaced
Practice Squad (1)
- Jalen Davis (CB, Cincinnati
Cincinnati): The Benglas opted to keep 5 safeties and focused on versatility, meaning Davis lost a spot, but did find a home on the practice squad
Cut, currently unrostered (1):
- Deven Thompkins (WR/RS,
Carolina): He was the #4 WR, and played about a quarter of the offensive snaps for the Bucs each of the past two years. He also served as the primary KR. Was waived by the Bucs after 2024 after negative statements from his wife; he then caught on with the Panthers before being waived/injured in August
Weber St (3+1 practice squad)
+ ^Southern Utah (2)
+ #Utah Tech (0)
Clear Starters (3):
- Braxton Jones^ (OT, Chicago): starting LT for the Bears
- *Taron Johnson (CB, Buffalo): one of the top 3 CBs on the roster, so I'm considering that a starter. Probably the nickleback role, though he's likely about to go on IR
- Rashid Shaheed (WR/RS, New Orleans): Huge success story. 2022 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. 2023 he came in as a probable starter...and left as a pro bowl returned and with 700+ receiving yards. He's now one of the better receiving threats for the Saints
Potential starters or regular contributors (0):
most of these guys should get fairly regular snaps and some may even end up as starters if they aren't already
Primarily depth/ST (2):
these guys won't be playing barring injuries ahead of them... but for one reason or another, their roster spot is fairly secure
- Miles Killebrew^ (S, Pittsburgh): He's safety #5 for the Steelers, but a bit of a special teams ace (including making the Pro Bowl for it last season)
- *Sua Opeta (OG, Tampa Bay): after years as a depth option in Philadeplphia, Opeta was slated for the same role for the Bucs, but is on IR for the year
Practice Squad (1)
- Jonah Williams (DE, Minnesota): Was a surprise a few years back, making the Rams active roster and then actually ended up playing a fair amount. Now with the Vikings, they've signed players to start over him. Given his age, not a surprise he was cut but did get a practice squad spot
Already cut/unrostered (1):
- Isaiah Wooden^ (WR,
LA Chargers Atlanta): Undersized and a UDFA, he was cut early by the Falcons, before signing with (and being cut by) the Chargers. He just signed with a CFL team.