Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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www.BLUEANDGOLD.com PRESEASON 2019 79 IRISH IN THE PROS He is unlikely to make the 53-man roster. • Sam Mustipher (2014-18), C, Chicago Bears: Despite receiving playing time in preseason, he is unlikely to make the 53-man roster. • Tyler Newsome (2014-18), P, Los Angeles Char- gers: He is probably second on the punter depth chart, which won't be good enough to make the 53-man roster. • James Onwualu (2013-16), LB, Jacksonville Jag- uars: Suffered a "significant" knee injury, but will likely remain on the team's injured reserve list after clearing waivers. • C.J. Prosise (2012-15), RB, Seattle Seahawks: He has had an injury-plagued pro career, and so far the preseason has been more of the same. This could be his last chance to show the Seahawks he can make a consistent impact. • Theo Riddick (2009-12), RB, Denver Broncos: He was cut by the Lions in July, but was quickly picked up by the Broncos. The backfield is crowded, but his pass-catching ability gives him a solid chance to make the team. • KeiVarae Russell (2012-15), CB, Cincinnati Ben- gals: He may not make the 53-man roster. • Durham Smythe (2013-17), TE, Miami Dolphins: His roster spot may depend on how many tight ends the Dolphins keep. • Equanimeous St. Brown (2015-17), WR, Green Bay Packers: An injury has limited his preseason production, but there is still a good chance the Pack- ers keep him. • John Sullivan (2003-07), C, Free Agent: After starting for Los Angeles in Super Bowl LIII, his team option was not picked up in March, making him an unrestricted free agent. He remains unsigned. • Manti Te'o (2009-12), LB, Free Agent: The former Irish standout became a free agent this offseason and remains unsigned. • Dexter Williams (2015-18), RB, Green Bay Pack- ers: He leads the team in rushing yards (67) and at- tempts (17) after two preseason games. COMPETING FOR PLAYING TIME • Sheldon Day (2012-15), DL, San Francisco 49ers: He has found a home in San Francisco as part of the defensive line rotation. Day had his best season in 2018, playing in 12 games and registering two sacks. He is expected to be a backup again this season. • Matthias Farley (2011-15), DB, Indianapolis Colts: He has been healthy enough that he should be able to make the roster, but playing time is far from guaranteed. • DeShone Kizer (2014-16), QB, Green Bay Pack- ers: He looks like he will once again be Aaron Rodg- ers' backup. He has had two solid preseason games, completing 13 of 23 passes for 172 yards with a touchdown. More importantly, he has yet to turn the ball over. • Isaac Rochell (2013-16), DE, Los Angeles Char- gers: He will back up Melvin Ingram once again this season after getting five sacks last year. • Drue Tranquill (2014-18), LB, Los Angeles Char- gers: He had five tackles and an interception in his first preseason game and should find ways to get on the field this year. • Sam Young (2006-09), OT, San Francisco 49ers: He was recently picked up as a reserve tackle after an injury to Shon Coleman. GOOD BETS TO START OR SEE SIGNIFICANT ACTION • Miles Boykin (2015-18), WR, Baltimore Ravens: After getting taken in the third round, many are won- dering if he will unseat a veteran for a starting spot. In his first two preseason games, he caught four passes for 39 yards. • Tyler Eifert (2009-12), TE, Cincinnati Bengals: He has been labeled injury prone. In 2016, he missed eight games, followed by 14 in 2017 and 12 in 2018. So far, he is expected to be back on the field when his season starts Sept. 8. • JJ Jansen (2004-07), LS, Carolina Panthers: He is one of the more reliable long snappers in the NFL and will suit up for the Panthers once again this season. • TJ Jones (2010-13), WR, New York Giants: His chance to play improved once Golden Tate got sus- pended for performance-enhancing drugs. He led the team in catches (five) and receiving yards (72) after one preseason game. • Julian Love (2016-18), S, New York Giants: Drafted in the fourth round, he has been working as a backup at safety and the slot corner in the Giants' nickel package. After starting slot corner Grant Harley was injured, he has received time with the first-team defense. • Golden Tate (2007-09), WR, New York Giants: He may have been a lock to start if not for violating the NFL's policy against performance-enhancing drugs. He will be suspended for the first four games of the season. • Jerry Tillery (2015-18), DT, Los Angeles Chargers: He will likely push starter Justin Jones for playing time at three technique. LOCKS FOR THE LINEUP • WR Will Fuller (2013-15), Houston Texans: He has had a history of injuries in Houston. Fuller played in 14 games as a rookie in 2016 (starting 13 of them), but played in only 10 games in 2017 and seven in 2018 after tearing his ACL. He is hoping to get some action in the preseason and start by week one. • Nick Martin (2011-15), OC, Houston Texans: He started all 16 games at center for the Texans in 2018 — his first fully health season in the NFL. He has missed time in the preseason due to a hamstring injury, but should be back in time for the start of the regular season. • Zack Martin (2009-13), OG, Dallas Cowboys: He is often considered the best guard in football. • Mike McGlinchey (2013-17), OT, San Francisco 49ers: He started 16 games at right tackle in 2018 and was named to the NFL All-Rookie team. He was strong as a run blocker, but will need to improve in pass protection. • Quenton Nelson (2014-17), OG, Indianapolis Colts: Made the Pro Bowl as a rookie. Enough said. • Romeo Okwara (2012-15), DE, Detroit Lions: Played in 15 games last year for the Lions, and posted 28 solo tackles and 7.5 sacks. He signed a two-year deal with the club in the offseason. • Kyle Rudolph (2008-10), TE, Minnesota Vikings: Heading into his ninth season, he is still one of the most consistent tight ends in the NFL. Last year he produced 634 yards on 64 receptions. • Ronnie Stanley (2012-15), OT, Baltimore Ravens: Started at left tackle all of last season, and 2019 could be the year when he establishes himself as one of the league's elite tackles. • Harrison Smith (2007-11), S, Minnesota Vikings: He continues to show why he is one of the best safe- ties in the NFL. • Jaylon Smith (2013-15), LB, Dallas Cowboys: Started all 16 games in 2018 and had 82 solo tackles with six for a loss. Many said he was snubbed when he didn't make the Pro Bowl. • Stephon Tuitt (2011-13), DE, Pittsburgh Steelers: He started in all 14 games he played last season, reg- istering 27 solo stops, seven tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks. He is expected to be a key part of the Steelers' defense this year. ✦ Harrison Smith of the Minnesota Vikings — who was No. 83 in the NFL Network Top 100 —was graded as the league's most efficient tackling safety in 2018 by Pro Football Focus. PHOTO COURTESY MINNESOTA VIKINGS