The NFL trim-down day has passed, and all 32 teams have cut their rosters down to 53 players. Over the next couple days, there will be some waiver claims and trades before the season actually begins, but for the most part, starting rotations are set. Let’s take a look at which Pack players earned spots on rosters over the offseason.
Jacoby Brissett, Quarterback, Indianapolis Colts
After the stunning retirement of former starter Andrew Luck, Brissett was thrust into the limelight for the Colts. The team did not acquire any potential competition to Brissett, and thus the depth behind Brissett consists of two developmental quarterbacks in Phillip Walker and Chad Kelly. Thankfully for Brissett, the Colts have a great supporting cast, including one of the best offensive lines in the league, led by Quenton Nelson.
Ryan Finley, Quarterback, Cincinnati Bengals
Finley looks well-equipped to back up long-time Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton and looks prepared to take over the starting position if need be. Finley finished the preseason with 414 passing yards, three touchdowns and one interception. More importantly, Finley finished with the second-highest completion percentage for all preseason quarterbacks with at least 56 attempts.
Mike Glennon, Quarterback, Oakland Raiders
Glennon’s status is currently up in the air after the Raiders claimed quarterback DeShone Kizer from the Packers, but as it stands, Glennon is the backup to Derek Carr. On top of this, the Raiders already announced the corresponding move for Kizer, which was to waive defensive end Josh Mauro. The rumors of Glennon’s, or Nathan Peterman’s, release come from the fact that it is rare for a team to carry more than three quarterbacks on a 53-man roster.
The Raiders had some impressive quarterback play in the preseason, with Peterman ranking third out of all quarterbacks with at least 56 passing attempts in completion percentage, and Glennon ranking seventh.
Glennon also finished the preseason with 491 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. If Glennon is in fact waived by the Raiders, expect a team like the Colts, who need quarterback depth, to take a long look at Glennon, a proven veteran who can be a valuable locker room addition.
Jaylen Samuels, Running Back, Pittsburgh Steelers
Samuels enters this season as the clear-cut number-two back on the roster, behind only James Conner. Samuels had a spike in value toward the end of last season when Conner went down, and Samuels started a handful of games in his place. Not only this, but Samuels will likely see more targets as a pass-catcher after the trade of Antonio Brown.
Nyheim Hines, Running Back, Indianapolis Colts
Like Samuels, Hines enters the year as the definitive second option for the Colts. Hines will be catching passes this year from fellow NC State alum Brissett. He finished last season with 314 rushing yards and 425 receiving yards with four total touchdowns, and his growth will be key to the Colts competing for the AFC South title.
Kelvin Harmon, Wide Receiver, Washington
Harmon will be the fourth- or fifth-string receiver for Washington this season after being selected in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, but his stock is improved after the release of former first-round pick Josh Doctson following roster cuts. Harmon finished the preseason with just 52 yards, but flashed his elite catching ability and game knowledge. Harmon has a great chance to climb the depth chart this season, as the receivers in front of him are Paul Richardson, Trey Quinn and Terry McLaurin, with Richardson being the only one with much NFL experience.
Jakobi Meyers, Wide Receiver, New England Patriots
Meyers was impressive for the Patriots in training camp and preseason after going undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft. His good play led to him cracking the Patriots’ 53-man roster, beating out other receivers like Demaryius Thomas and Braxton Berrios, an impressive feat for an undrafted rookie. In four preseason games, Meyers posted 253 yards, which led all receivers in preseason, and two touchdowns.
Will Richardson, Offensive Lineman, Jacksonville Jaguars
Richardson spent all of last season injured after being drafted in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Unlike fellow NC State alum Kentavius Street, who was drafted exactly one pick before Richardson, Richardson will likely see playing time this season, whereas Street will be placed on the injured reserve again. Richardson has been taking snaps this offseason at guard, where he is currently competing with A.J. Cann for the starting spot.
Justin Jones, Defensive Tackle, Los Angeles Chargers
Jones made the Chargers roster again this season after being selected in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Jones is slated as the starting defensive tackle, next to nose tackle Brandon Mebane. The Chargers brass have high hopes for Jones, who finished last season with seven solo tackles and half a sack.
Germaine Pratt, Linebacker, Cincinnati Bengals
Pratt will begin the season as a depth linebacker for the Bengals, but cracks the 53-man roster after a preseason that saw him record five total tackles and half a sack. Pratt will continue to grow and develop this season as the Bengals continue their youth influx.
Stephen Hauschka, Kicker, Buffalo Bills
Hauschka not only won the Bills kicking job but earned himself a two-year contract extension worth upwards of $8 million. Hauschka made 25 of 26 extra points and 22 of 28 field goals last season.
A.J. Cole III, Punter, Oakland Raiders
Cole won the starting punting job for the Oakland Raiders, beating out last year’s fifth-round pick Johnny Townsend. It is rare for a punter to be taken in the middle rounds, so Cole beating out a player the Raiders drafted just last year is telling of his abilities.
Others: Russell Wilson, Phillip Rivers, Bradley Chubb, Garrett Bradbury, B.J. Hill and others will reprise their starting roles on their respective squads. Most of these players saw limited action in preseason but were never in question to make a roster.
