BYU
Clear Starters (3)
- Fred Warner (LB, San Francisco): likely 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
On roster with major role (8)
most of these guys should get fairly regular snaps and some may even end up as starters if they aren't already
- Zach Wilson (QB, NY Jets): he's the backup, which qualifies as a major role
- Tyler Allgeier (RB, Atlanta): will lose touches to Bijan Robinson, but still will have a major 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): I'm betting he is very quickly a clear starter as WR3 ahead of Skrowonek
- Khyiris Tonga (DT, Minnesota): After a surprise cut last year, found a home with the Vikings and has a good chance to start, especially with Flores preferring a 3-4 defense
- Taysom Hill (TE/QB/?, New Orleans): The hardest player in the NFL to predict a role for... They've added depth at QB, TE, RB so we may see less of him, but his versatility and ability to fill any hole means he has a major role until proven otherwise
- Jamaal Williams (RB, New Orleans): Three-headed backfield committee with Kamara, Kendre Miller and Jamaal Williams. Williams should get most of the touches early though
On roster, mostly depth or special teams (4)
- Jaren Hall (QB, Minnesota): #3 QB means he has a clear role, but it's mostly depth for now
- Dax Milne (WR, Commanders): One of 7 WR kept, probably will reprise his duties as PR
- Chris Brooks (RB, Miami): UDFA rookie, One of 6 RB/FB after a great presesaon
- Zayne Anderson (S,
Buffalo Green Bay): Cut by the Bills in preseason and then picked up by the Packers. Spent most of 22
Practice Squad (2):
- James Empey (C/OG, Green Bay): Cut in preseason, then added back to Packers PS. He was on many different practice squads last year, but was activated late in the year for the Dolphins
- Matt Bushman (TE, Kansas City): Cut in preseason, then added back to Chiefs PS. Didn't play in 2022 (injured/waived)
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Not currently on a roster (10):
- Ty'Son Williams (RB,
Arizona): Cut in preseason. Spent most of 2022 on various practice squads before being added to the Cardinals active roster late
- Chris Wilcox (CB,
Pittsburgh): Cut in preseason. In his first two years he's been on three practice squads but has yet to make an active roster. 10/12 spots taken on Steelers PS
- Tomasi Laulile (DT,
San Francisco Denver): Cut in preseason by 49ers and Broncos. Was in the XFL in 2022. Broncos PS is full
- D'Angelo Mandell (CB,
Dallas): UDFA rookie, cut in preseason. Cowboys PS has 14/16 spots taken
- Kaleb Hayes (CB,
Jacksonville): UDFA rookie, cut in preseason. Jaguars PS has 14/16 spots taken
- Harris LaChance (OG/OT,
Indianapolis): Signed as a UDFA, cut 19 days later
- Kai Nacua (LB/S): Currently signed with a USFL team. 2022 he was mostly unsigned before being added to the Jets practice squad for the last month of the season
- 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
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)
On roster with major role (7):
- Devin Lloyd (LB, Jacksonville): after disappointing last season, it's uncertain if he'll start, but he's got amajor role
- 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): Was in line for a major role behind Jonathon Taylor, but is now out to start the year. When healthy he has a great opportunity with Taylor holding out
- 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
- Leki Fotu (DT, Arizona): Likely to be the starting NT. Like Tonga, waiting to see how much he's used in that role
On roster, mostly depth or Special Teams (4):
- Braeden Daniels (OG/OT, Washington - IR): Was penciled in for a depth role on the OL before tearing his pec and will miss the season
- Mohamoud Diabate (LB, Cleveland): UDFA made the roster with a strong preseason and good work on special teams
- Nephi Sewell (LB, New Orleans): Seen as a solid depth LB in coverage and ST contributor
- Bradlee Anae (DE, NY Jets - IR): So...he continues to be employed by the NY Jets, which I guess is a win. But it's almost certainly just because he doesn't count against a roster spot, given his IR status. Unlike other IR guys above (Daniels, Patrick), he'd likely be cut otherwise. I guess it's a win that he wasn't released with an injury settlement (which is what happend to Bushman last year or Guidry this year)
Practice Squad (4):
- Britain Covey (WR/RS, Philadelphia): Cut in preseason by the Eagles, then added back to PS. Similar happened last year, but he spent most of the year on the active roster
- Terrell Burgess (S, Washington): Cut in preseason by the Commanders, then added back to PS
- Eric Rowe (S/CB, Carolina): Cut in preseason by the Panthers, then added back to PS
- Cole Fotheringham (TE,
Las Vegas): Was on the bubble but cut in preseason, then added back to PS
Not currently on a roster (8):
- Jackson Barton (OT,
Arizona): Cut in preseason; spent 2022 bouncing between Raiders' active roster and practice squad
- 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. Had a very strong preseason and was making a case...but then got hurt and waived with an injury settlement
- Darrin Paulo (OG/OT,
Detroit): Cut in preseason; spent 2022 mostly on the Lions' PS, but a few weeks on active roster. 10/16 spots filled on Lions' PS
- Pita Taumoepenu (DE,
NY Jets): Cut in preseason. Spent 2022 in the XFL as the DPOY. 13/16 spots filled on Jets' PS
- John Penisini (DL,
Carolina): Had been out of the league a few years after retiring young, tried to come back, but medical issues led to his release again
- 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 likely done.
- 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
Utah State
Clear Starters (2):
- Bobby Wagner (LB, Seattle)
- Jordan Love (QB, Green Bay)
On roster with major role (1):
- Deven Thompkins (WR/RS, Tampa Bay): Probably WR4 for the Bucs as well as the RS
On roster, mostly depth or ST (4):
- 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
- Jalen Davis (CB, Cincinnati): depth option at CB for the Bengals last year, will likely do the same this season
- Derek Wright (WR, Carolina): WR7 for the Panthers
Practice Squad (0):
Not currently on a roster (6):
- Tyler Larsen (C/OG,
Washington): Cut in preseason, spent 2022 on Commanders active roster. Commanders' PS is full; guessing he'll be added to active roster after some roster moves
- Nick Vigil (LB,
NY Jets): 8 year veteran, he's had snaps on an active roster every year. 12/16 Jets PS spots taken
- Calvin Tyler Jr (RB,
Cincinnati): UDFA rookie, cut in preseason
- Brian Cobbs (WR,
Arizona): UDFA, cut in preseason
- Darwin Thompson (RB,
Seattle Las Vegas): cut by Seahawks and Raiders in preseason
- 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
On roster with major role (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
- Jonah Williams (DE, LA Rams): was a longshot last season before impressing in camp. Played in every game, including 1/3rd of the snaps on defense
On roster, mostly depth or special teams (2):
- Miles Killebrew^ (S, Pittsburgh): He's safety #5 for the Steelers, but a bit of a special teams ace, so he's pretty safe
- Sua Opeta (OG, Philadelphia): Depth option on the offensive line for the Eagles
Practice Squad (0):
Not currently on a roster (0):
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.