BYU football in the NFL: Thursday night preseason roundup

A number of former BYU football players took the field with NFL teams on Thursday night in hopes of making the roster. Here’s how they did.

While BYU football is currently preparing for the Portland State Vikings, there are plenty of former Cougars in NFL training camps, attempting to carve out a pro career for themselves.

On Thursday night eight games were held, letting Cougar Nation see some of the former BYU football stars in action.

Bronson Kaufusi, Ravens 

Kaufusi did a nice job of getting pressure, collecting his first pro sack. He finished with two tackles, but was a solid performer.

https://twitter.com/alexiskaufusi/status/895840252639592448

This is coming off a week of practice in which he was showered with praise. Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh told ESPN he’s “never seen a harder worker.”

Robertson Daniel, Ravens

The former Cougar didn’t have a great night on Thursday. To be honest, he hasn’t had a great week.

Against Washington, Daniel was called for holding on a punt – which was unnecessary and silly. Jerry Rosburg – Baltimore’s special teams coordinator and associate head coach – was unhappy with Daniel this week, calling him and two other players out in front of the media.

However, last week Daniel went on a three day run where he picked off two passes. He’s currently listed as a third string cornerback.

De’Ondre Wesley, Ravens

Wesley has worked his way back from an injury a year ago to be in the Ravens’ two-deep depth chart.

In fact, many seem to think he’ll eventually take the starting job from James Hurst. This is due mainly to Wesley’s run blocking ability.

From the social media reaction, Wesley appear to have a great night. Most cited a cut block he delivered to a member of the Washington secondary. Unfortunately I couldn’t find video of the play.

Mitch Mathews, Dolphins

Mathews went without a catch in Miami’s game against Atlanta, but he was targeted twice.

Taysom Hill, Packers

Hill took an 11-yard sack on his first NFL play, but rebounded quite nicely. The former BYU football quarterback completed 4-of-5 passes for 69 yards and a touchdown. He added 14 yards and two carries.

The two-minute drill he ran, capping it off with a touchdown was particularly impressive. It was a great NFL debut.

Jamaal Williams, Packers

BYU football’s all-time leading rusher took four carries for 14 yards. His numbers weren’t staggering, but he did all the things he did as a Cougar: found creases and fought for yards.

One Packers write summed it up pretty well on Twitter.

Outside of Leonard Fournette and Christian McCaffrey, you won’t find a hotter rookie running back. Williams has a legitimate shot to become Green Bay’s starter.

Kai Nacua, Browns

Nacua is almost certainly a lock to make Cleveland’s 53-man roster. The Browns recently lost starting safety Ed Reynolds – and Nacua has the most upside of Cleveland’s remaining options.

Against New Orleans, Nacua finished with two solo tackles.

Jordan Leslie, Browns

Leslie caught two passes on three targets for nine yards against the Saints. Wide receiver isn’t a particularly deep position in Cleveland, so some believe that Leslie will stick around with the Browns.

Harvey Langi, Patriots

Langi spent chunks of time this week working with the No. 1 defense, but was listed as a third-string linebacker in the Patriots depth chart.

Then when game time rolled around, Langi was starting for the Patriots. That’s not really a surprise – head coach Bill Belichick has no reason to play Dont’a Hightower and David Harris this early – but it’s still impressive.

He finished with four total tackles against Jacksonville – and showed off some of his athleticism.