Mountaineers in the NFL: Preseason Week 4

As the NFL preseason finally comes to a close, GM’s for all 32 teams have trimmed their rosters down to 53 guys for Week 1. Every draft pick from WVU’s 2019 class made a roster, but Dravon Askew-Henry and David Sills V were both cut by their respective teams. Is your favorite Mountaineer alumnus on an active roster? Will he start the 2019 campaign on a practice squad? Find out below!

NFL Starters

Tavon Austin (WR, DAL) did not play in the preseason finale. He’ll look to produce this season after having back-to-back underwhelming years. He’ll be a backup WR, but will star on special teams, where he’s expected to be the Cowboys primary punt returner.

Rasul Douglas (CB, PHI) is projected to play considerable snaps for the Eagles, as the CB room is decimated with injuries right now. Hopefully he can produce and stay on the field once Ronald Darby and Jalen Mills return from injuries.

Mark Glowinski (OL, IND) will be the starting RG for the Colts. “Glow”, who got a 3 year, $18M extension from Indy in January, has solidified himself as a starting lineman in the league.

Najee Goode (LB, JAC) will be starting at weak-side LB for a defense that is projected to lead this team. The Jaguars will be a much improved team in 2019-20, and their defense will be the reason why. Hopefully Goode can make a name for himself this season in a defense laden with really good players.

Bruce Irvin (LB/DE, CAR) will start at OLB for the Panthers. The 8th year linebacker has transitioned well to Ron Rivera’s defense, and will get the nod in Week 1. However, promising rookie Brian Burns had a great preseason and will be pushing Irvin and Mario Addison for playing time once the season gets underway.

Karl Joseph (S, OAK) will be starting in the deep secondary for the Raiders. He’ll be looking to stay healthy this year, as he’s missed at least 1 game in each of his 3 NFL seasons.

Daryl Worley (DB, OAK) will be a starting CB for Oakland. He played in just 10 games last year, so staying on the field and being available for all 16 will likely be Worley’s objective going into the season. The 3rd year CB has 4 interceptions in his short career.

Those Who Made a NFL Roster

Yodny Cajuste (OL, NE) made the Patriots roster.

Will Grier (QB, CAR) will start the season as the Panthers third-string QB. His disappointing performances vs. the Bears and the Bills put him in too deep of a hole to dig out of. By virtue of being a 3rd-round draft pick, Carolina will keep him on their active roster, but Grier has a lot to work on to become a viable NFL quarterback.

Gary Jennings Jr. (WR, SEA) was right on the cusp of making the Seahawks roster, and after an impressive preseason, he has officially made the 53-man. I’m personally not surprised, as Jennings has some of the best hands we’ve ever seen at WVU.

Nick Kwiatkoski (LB, CHI) made the Bears 53-man roster as a backup LB.

David Long Jr. (LB, TEN) has done enough to make the Titans roster as a backup LB and primary special teams player. The Mountaineer favorite will continue to work and push for playing time with Tennessee.

Geno Smith (QB, SEA) had an impressive preseason finale, tossing 2 TD passes, but ultimately was cut by the Seahawks. However, just hours later, Seattle signed him back on as the #2 QB. Geno will be the backup in Seattle this season.

Quinton Spain (OL, BUF) made the Bills 53-man.

Trevon Wesco (TE, NYJ) did not play in the preseason finale, but will make the Jets 53-man roster, at least until starting TE Chris Herndon returns from a 4-game suspension in October. With Eric Tomlinson being cut, Wesco seems to have a roster spot locked down for the season.

Kyzir White (LB/S, LAC) made the Chargers 53-man roster after a strong preseason.

David Sills V (WR, NYG) finished off the preseason with a game-winning TD catch in Buffalo’s 27-23 victory over Minnesota. Unfortunately, it was not enough to earn him a roster spot. Sills was cut by the Bills and signed with the Giants’ practice squad roster

Wendell Smallwood (RB, WAS) carried the ball 7 times for 23 yards, and had one reception for -1 yard in Philadelphia’s loss to the NY Jets. He also lost a fumble. Smallwood was cut by the Eagles and signed with the Washington Redskins over the weekend.

Those Who Got Cut

Dravon Askew-Henry (S, PIT) will not make a roster to begin the 2019 campaign. The rookie safety will definitely sign onto a practice squad, as he competed all throughout camp to be the Steelers third-string SS.

Don Barclay (OL, DEN) was right on the bubble of making this team as a backup Guard, but ultimately was cut.

Adam Pankey (OL, GB) was right on the bubble of making this team, but didn’t make it. He’ll be looking for a new NFL home.

Kevin White (WR, FA) there isn’t anything new with White. He has too much service time to be signed to a practice squad, so he may be out of luck in the NFL.