Hokies in the NFL

The NFL teams have made their 53-man roster cuts, and started signing players that have cleared waivers to practice squads. Gobbler Country takes a look at how the Hokies that have transitioned to the professional level are doing.

Atlanta Falcons

Shayne Graham (K): The 38-year-old veteran of 13 NFL seasons was released when the Falcons made their cuts down to the 53-man roster. He recently practiced for the Giants, but as of this writing had not signed.

Laurence Gibson (OL): Originally drafted by the Dallas Cowboys during the seventh round of the 2015 NFL Draft, he was a long shot to make the Falcons active roster. He was released when Atlanta made their 53-man roster cuts. He also recently worked out for the Giants, but as of this writing no word has been passed concerning if he was picked up by New York, or another team.

Buffalo Bills

Jarett Boykin (WR): Boykin was released by Buffalo when they made their 53-man roster cuts.

Tyrod Taylor (QB): Tyrod was rewarded for his performance during 2015 with a new contract. You can read about it here. Tyrod has been named the starting QB for the Bills.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Wade Hansen (OL): The NFL rookie was released when the Steelers cut their roster to the 53-man limit.

Houston Texans

Duane Brown (OL): Brown was moved from the physically unable to perform list to the active roster, but the Pro Bowl offensive lineman will not start the first game of the season due to a leg injury.

Kansas City Chiefs

Dadi Nicolas (LB): Just watch this video. Yeah, he made the team.

San Diego Chargers

Brandon Flowers (DB): Brandon suffered through an injury riddled 2015 campaign and is looking to bounce back after an off season to get healthy. He has found consistent success, during the preseason, as a slot defender. Expect Flowers to be a major contributor to the San Diego secondary.

New York Giants

Ryan Malleck (TE): Malleck and the New York Giants came to an injury settlement after he was placed on injured reserve when he hurt his neck. Once Ryan is healthy he will be able to sign with another team.

Logan Thomas (QB): Thomas was released and then signed to the Giants practice squad.

Washington Redskins

DeAngelo Hall (DB): The veteran Pro Bowler played CB in the past but has moved to the safety position.

Kendall Fuller (DB): The most recent Fuller brother to enter the NFL was drafted in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He had a solid showing during the preseason and will look to continue his development during his rookie season.

Kyshoen Jarrett (DB): He was one of the feel good stories of the 2015 season. Drafted in the sixth round, Kyshoen showed his athleticism and competitive edge week in and week out. Jarret suffered a scary injury during the last game of the regular season against the Dallas Cowboys. The injury resulted in nerve damage that Jarrett is still trying to recover from. As a result of the injury, and danger to Jarrett’s health, the Redskins released the promising defensive back earlier this summer. Here’s praying that Kyshoen can get healthy and return to the NFL.

Vinston Painter (OL): Vinston was released and then signed to the Redskins practice squad.

Chicago Bears

Eddie Royal (WR): Eddie Royal was plagued by injuries last season, and was never able to recapture the magic that he and QB, Jay Cutler, had when they played in Denver together. After an off season of healing Eddie is hoping to return to full speed.

Kyle Fuller (DB): The first round pick enters his third season in the league and hope to continue his development and improve as an NFL defensive back.

Nick Becton (OL): Becton was waived back in August.

Detroit Lions

Corey Fuller (WR): Fuller injured his foot and has been placed on the physically unable to perform list. He is not able to return for at least the first six weeks of the regular season.

Minnesota Vikings

Antone Exum Jr.: Exum injured his leg during a preseason game against the Chargers. He was waived and then placed on injured reserve once he cleared the waivers.

New Orleans Saints

Darryl Tapp (DL): The ten year veteran was waived by the Saints when they made their 53-man roster cuts... he was then resigned to the Saints two days later.

Seattle Seahawks

Kam Chancellor (DB): Kam is one of the premier safeties in the NFL and a perennial Pro Bowl player. He will start for the Seattle Seahawks.