Aggies in the NFL
Currently, Utah State has 11 players on NFL rosters with several others on practice squads or IR. We’ll be keeping tabs on them throughout the upcoming season. Here’s the 11 that have made a 53-man roster this year:
Nevin Lawson, CB, Detroit Lions – Lawson currently has the second starting corner position locked down opposite of Darius Slay. A fourth-round pick in 2014, Lawson has carved out a nice spot on the Lions’ roster, racking up 47 tackles with seven pass deflections last year in nine starts.
Will Davis, CB, Baltimore Ravens – Davis showed promise last year before tearing his ACL, but was able to keep a roster spot through the offseason. He projects mainly as a reserve cornerback this season, but still should receive a good amount of playing time most likely at the nickel position.
Donald Penn, OT, Oakland Raiders – Penn nearly left town after the Raiders gave $58.5 million to OG Kelechi Osemele, but eventually returned to help solidify the left tackle position for the Raiders. Penn should continue to anchor the position as he has for the past nine years for the Raiders and Buccaneers.
Bobby Wagner, LB, Seattle Seahawks – We already know the story. Wagner returns again to the middle linebacker position as part of what should be another stellar defensive unit for the Seahawks.
Maurice Alexander, FS, Los Angeles Rams – Alexander was once a janitor in the Edward Jones Dome, home of the late St. Louis Rams. The Rams are now in Los Angeles, but Alexander is still with the team as their starting free safety.
Robert Turbin, RB, Indianapolis Colts – Turbin was recently declared the top backup to Frank Gore in the Colts’ backfield. That situation will be fluid as the Colts have both Jordan Todman and rookie Josh Ferguson on the roster. Gore is 33, though, and there should be plenty of opportunity for Turbin this year.
Tyler Larsen, C, Carolina Panthers – A bit of a surprise to make the final roster, Larsen benefitted from fellow lineman Chris Scott receiving a four-game suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs. Larsen’s roster spot could be in jeopardy after his reinstatement.
Patrick Scales, LS, Chicago Bears – The Bears almost moved on from Scales as their long snapper. Several days ago, it seemed the job belonged to Aaron Brewer. However, the Bears cut him shortly after and handed the job back to Scales.
Kyler Fackrell, LB, Green Bay Packers – After struggling to stand out in offseason practices, Fackrell enjoyed a stellar preseason especially in the finale where he logged 10 tackles with a sack. Fackrell needs more time to develop, but should get opportunities this year while learning from star Clay Matthews.
Nick Vigil, LB, Cincinnati Bengals – Many were surprised at Vigil’s third-round selection in the draft, though that apprehension has quickly turned into admiration. Vigil has impressed in camp and the preseason. He should receive plenty of snaps throughout the season and could end up starting. He’ll play an important part during Vontaze Burfict’s three-game suspension to open the season.
Marwin Evans, SS, Green Bay Packers – Evans has been spectacular since leaving Utah State. He showed off prime athleticism on his pro day and has had a tenacious work ethic throughout the offseason. That effort has yielded him a stat line in the preseason of 11 tackles and one interception as well as a spot on the roster. Playing time may be hard to come by, but for an undrafted rookie making it to a 53-man roster is impressive in and of itself.
The following players have been placed on IR:
Zach Vigil, LB, Miami Dolphins – Vigil was placed on the Dolphins’ Reserve/Non-Football Injury list due to a back injury. He will miss at least the first six weeks of the season, after which he can either be released, placed on season-ending IR, or, if he begins practicing, can be promoted to the 53-man roster.
The following players are signed to practice squads:
DJ Tialavea, TE, Atlanta Falcons – Tialavea was originally signed as a free agent by the Jacksonville Jaguars but was recently signed to the practice squad by the Atlanta Falcons following the waive of TE Marcel Jensen.
Other players who were cut, injury-waived, etc.:
Kerwynn Williams, RB, Arizona Cardinals – Williams was simply the victim of a logjam at the RB position. He could find a home elsewhere in the League.
Hunter Sharp, WR, Philadelphia Eagles – A hamstring injury kept him out of the preseason. An injury settlement with the team will allow him to sign with any team once healthy.
Chuck Jacobs, WR, Baltimore Ravens – Jacobs was a victim of the first round of cuts as the team worked to move below the 75-man limit.
Tay Glover-Wright, CB, Indianapolis Colts – Glover-Wright played in all four preseason games, but failed to make it pass the final cut onto the 53-man roster.
David Moala, NT, Denver Broncos – Moala also fell victim to the first round of cuts. He was brought in for a workout with the Kansas Chiefs on Sept. 4 though he currently remains unsigned.