Multiple Cats in the NFL make 53-Man Rosters
The National Football League is a ruthless business. Only able to carry 53-man rosters, making teams can be very difficult for many. Luckily, Kentucky will be well represented this season with multiple Cats in the NFL making the final cut.
There were many Wildcats who were close to the chopping block as training camps closed shop, but most of the former UK players were able to make it to the big show.
KSR has scoured all 32 rosters in the NFL, and here is where some former Kentucky players stand. To save some time, we left off players that were assured roster spots. Jamin Davis and Kelvin Joseph were locked in due to being high draft picks. Benny Snell Jr. is a proven commodity.
Still, Kentucky football got some really great news on Tuesday evening.
Quinton Bohanna, Dallas Cowboys
Dallas spent a sixth-round pick on Quinton Bohanna at the 2021 NFL Draft, but the 6-foot-4 nose tackle fills a need. New defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is trying to fix one of the worst defenses in the NFL and this NFC East team needs run stuffers and gap pluggers so first-round pick Micah Parsons can run free and make tackles.
Bohanna will give this defense some much-needed depth on the line of scrimmage.
Brandin Echols, New York Jets
This one was a no-doubter.
The Jets are really thin at cornerback, and Brandin Echols is one of two rookies pushing for a starting spot. The sixth-round pick performed well all offseason and is on the roster despite suffering a shoulder injury in the most recent preseason game.
Phil Hoskins, Carolina Panthers
A seventh-round pick by the Panthers, Phil Hoskins appeared to have his work cut out for him. However, his length and potential as a pass rusher have made him a valuable asset for the franchise, solidifying a spot on the roster.
Hoskins will be a rotational piece for the interior of Carolina’s defense.
A.J. Rose, Minnesota Vikings
The undrafted rookie was impressive in the preseason, tallying a 100-yard performance and rushing for two touchdowns in the finale. It still was not enough for A.J. Rose to make the roster in Minnesota.
However, Rose is likely to be scooped up by the Vikings if he makes it through waivers. Dalvin Cook is a star, but Rose could turn into a quality third-down option down the road.
Logan Stenberg, Detroit Lions
Last year was a rough rookie season for Logan Stenberg as the offensive guard was only able to play a few special teams snaps for the Lions. This was a big offseason for the former fourth-round pick and All-SEC performer.
However, Dan Campbell’s new coaching staff seems to really like Stenberg’s physicality and he’ll open the year as a reserve offensive guard.
Chris Westry, Baltimore Ravens
After spending a pair of seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, Chris Westry signed with the Baltimore Ravens in January 2021. After a surprising camp performance, the third-year player has made an opening day roster for the first time in his career.
Westry performed so well that the Ravens traded fifth-round pick Shaun Wade to open up a roster spot for the 6-foot-4 cornerback.
Landon Young, New Orleans Saints
Yet another sixth-round pick, Landon Young made a big impression in New Orleans.
The 6-foot-7 rookie is set to be a backup to All-Pro Ryan Ramczyk to open the year for the Saints. Young does have positional versatility and will have a chance to carve out a career as a multidimensional player along the offensive line.
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