There were 26 former Georgia Tech players who were on an NFL roster in the preseason, from stars to undrafted free agents trying to fight their way onto a practice squad. A look at all 26:
Linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu – Going into his third year with the San Diego Chargers. He started 12 games last season and had six sacks.
Defensive tackle T.J. Barnes – In his fourth NFL training camp, was cut by the Jacksonville Jaguars Saturday. Had been with the Buffalo Bills in the offseason and the start of camp.
Safety Morgan Burnett – Going into his seventh season with the Green Bay Packers, has started 75 games in his career.
Cornerback Mario Butler – Played 15 games for the Buffalo Bills last season (his fifth either on a practice squad or active roster) and signed a one-year extension, but was cut last Friday.
Guard Andrew Gardner – Trying to come back from tear of Lisfranc ligament in right foot, was cut Aug. 28 by the Eagles. Has accumulated seven NFL seasons on rosters or practice squads.
Safety Jamal Golden – Signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent Aug. 3, Golden was cut Aug. 30.
Defensive end Adam Gotsis – Drafted by the Denver Broncos in the second round, Gotsis has shined in the preseason and figures to be in the rotation for the defending world champions.
Wide receiver Stephen Hill – A second-round pick of the New York Jets in 2012, was cut by the Carolina Panthers Aug. 28. He'd been with Carolina since 2014, but had not appeared in a game. He tore his ACL in the 2015 preseason.
Safety Isaiah Johnson – After spending most of the 2015 season on the Detroit Lions practice squad – he was put on the active roster in November – was cut by the Lions Saturday but signed to the Rams practice squad Monday.
Defensive end Michael Johnson –Starting his eighth NFL season, seven with the Cincinnati Bengals. Has 73 NFL starts and 35.5 career sacks.
Fullback Zach Laskey – Spent the 2015 season with the Rams (then in St. Louis) on their practice squad, was cut Aug. 29 and then placed on injured reserve (undisclosed) Aug. 30.
Linebacker Tyler Marcordes – Signed as an undrafted free agent with the San Diego Chargers and was waived-injured Aug. 25.
Guard Shaquille Mason – Drafted in 2015 by the New England Patriots in the fourth round, started 10 games as a rookie. Made the team but reportedly has a broken hand.
Cornerback Chris Milton –Signed as an undrafted free agent with the Indianapolis Colts, was released last Saturday and then signed to the Colts practice squad Sunday.
Linebacker Derrick Morgan – 2010 first-round pick of the Tennessee Titans beginning his seventh season with the club. Ended last season on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. Has 27.5 career sacks.
Linebacker Quayshawn Nealy – Went to training camp in 2015 with Seattle, then later was signed to the Tampa Bay and Arizona practice squads, was cut by Arizona July 27, signed again by the Seahawks Aug. 15 and cut Aug. 30.
Fullback Patrick Skov – Signed as an undrafted free agent with the Cleveland Browns, was waived (injured) Aug. 4, then placed on injured reserve (left foot) Aug. 5, taken off injured reserve Aug. 18 and cut again the same day with an injury settlement.
Wide receiver DeAndre Smelter – Drafted in the fourth round in 2015 by the San Francisco 49ers, was waived Monday after reaching an injury settlement. After not playing last season recovering from an ACL tear, Smelter had a hamstring injury this preseason and didn't play in the preseason.
Linebacker Daryl Smith – Starting season No. 13, now with his third team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Has started 172 out of a possible 192 games, and has the 15th most starts among active players.
Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas – Now the preeminent former Tech player in the NFL with the retirement of Calvin Johnson, starting his seventh season, all with the Denver Broncos. Has averaged 1,447 receiving yards per season in the past four years.
Defensive end Vance Walker – In his eighth season, member of Super Bowl champions tore his ACL in training camp and is out for the season.
Wide receiver Darren Waller – Drafted in the sixth round in 2015 by the Baltimore Ravens, was suspended four games in July for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. Waller caught eight passes for 84 yards in the preseason, perhaps an indication that he could remain with the team after the suspension.
Linebacker Brandon Watts – Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2014, was on their practice squad or active roster until Saturday, when he was cut. He was signed to the Miami Dolphins practice squad Tuesday.
Linebacker Philip Wheeler – Made Falcons roster after signing one-year extension with team in March. Starting ninth NFL season, second with Falcons.
Cornerback D.J. White – Drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the sixth round. Made the roster.
Cornerback Louis Young – Signed as an undrafted free agent by Denver in 2014, was on three different practice squads that season and then spent most of 2015 with the Panthers and was on the active roster during the postseason. He was cut by the Panthers Saturday.
About the Author