Each week, we examine some of the top performers from the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl alumni. With approximately 250 active players on NFL rosters and/or practice squads, the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl has become one of the premiere all-star game events in just a short period of time. Below are some of the latest standouts from week three action.
Marquez Callaway
The New Orleans Saints found an undrafted free agent gem following the 2020 NFL Draft in wideout Marquez Callaway, who led the team with 698 receiving yards in 2021. After a busy offseason, which featured several new targets added to the roster, along with quarterback Jameis Winston taking over as full-time starter, Callaway was a bit slow out of the gates this season. So, it was no surprise to see him finally make his mark during week three, as he registered his first catch and touchdown of the season during the Saints loss to the Carolina Panthers. Look for Callaway to get more involved in the offense once again, as the season progresses.
Peyton Hendershot
In a divisional primetime matchup against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football, undrafted free agent tight end Peyton Hendershot made sure to let his name be known amongst the Dallas Cowboys passing attack. The lengthy, athletic pass-catcher caught all three of his targets, including a big play 29-yard reception and finished with 43 yards on the evening. We saw Hendershot flash the ability to make splash plays during his week of practice during the 2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, which is a good reason to believe that we will be hearing more from the Indiana product in the near future.
Jamir Jones
Last week, we highlighted Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Arthur Maulet in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Alumni Spotlight. We go back to the tenacious Steelers defense once again this week, to feature fellow linebacker Jamir Jones. After appearing in games for three different teams in 2021, the New York native seems to have finally found a home in Pittsburgh, as a valuable reserve. He collected a handful of tackles during their Thursday Night Football loss to the Cleveland Browns. However, the future is bright for Jones and his development in year two!
Elandon Roberts
The Miami Dolphins are one of the final undefeated teams remaining in the NFL and while the offense has received well-deserved accolades, the defense has also been rock-solid. A seven-year veteran, linebacker Elandon Roberts made several big stops against the Buffalo Bills, recording a season-high eight tackles, while bringing his yearly total to 17 tackles through the first three games. Roberts is currently on pace to surpass his career-high of 83 tackles, which he set last season.
Cam Bynum
After starting a handful of games down the stretch in 2021 as a rookie for the Minnesota Vikings, safety Cam Bynum has emerged as the full-time starter this year playing alongside Harrison Smith. In fact, he has played 100% of the defensive snaps thus far, in addition to contributing on special teams. This past week, Bynum recorded at least five tackles for the third consecutive game, as the Vikings mounted a fourth-quarter comeback victory over their division-rival Detroit Lions. A fourth-round pick, Bynum appears to be one of the true value selections (125th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Cairo Santos
Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos played a key role during their 23-20 victory over the Houston Texans, nailing all three of his field goal attempts, including a 50-yarder to put the Bears in a tie for first place. The eight-year veteran has had a stellar pro career and set new Bears records for consecutive field goals both overall and in a single season (27) in 2020, breaking the old record of 26 straight (Robbie Gould). He continues to be Chicago’s secret weapon.
Make sure to check out the Week One and Week Two Alumni Spotlights too.
*For the latest news and updates surrounding the 2023 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl be sure to follow @NFLPABowl.