Another successful showing in the books for the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl players at the 2023 NFL Draft. This year’s game showcased an abundance of incredible talent as a total of 16 players were drafted through seven rounds, and another 79 players were signed as undrafted free agents.

Below are all of the players who were taken in the 2023 NFL Draft (listed in draft order), followed by players who signed as undrafted free agents (listed alphabetically by last name).

2023 Drafted Players:

Marte Mapu (LB, Sacramento State) – Round 3 — Pick 76 — New England Patriots

Sidy Sow (G, Eastern Michigan) – Round 4 — Pick 117 — New England Patriots

Jon Gaines II (G, UCLA) – Round 4 — Pick 122 — Arizona Cardinals

Sean Clifford (QB, Penn State) – Round 5 — Pick 149 — Green Bay Packers

Zaire Barnes (LB, Western Michigan) – Round 6 — Pick 184 — New York Jets

Scott Matlock (DT, Boise State) – Round 6 — Pick 200 — Los Angeles Chargers

Ameer Speed (CB, Michigan State) – Round 6 — Pick 214 — New England Patriots

Brad Robbins (P, Michigan) – Round 6 — Pick 217 — Cincinnati Bengals

Jovaughn Gwyn (OG, South Carolina) – Round 7 — Pick 225 — Atlanta Falcons

Cooper Hodges (T, Appalachian State) – Round 7 — Pick 226 — Jacksonville Jaguars

Jason Taylor II (S, Oklahoma State) – Round 7 — Pick 234 — Los Angeles Rams

Anthony Johnson (S, Iowa State) – Round 7 — Pick 242 — Green Bay Packers

Jordon Riley (DT, Oregon) – Round 7 — Pick 243 — New York Giants

Isaiah Bolden (CB, Jackson State) – Round 7 — Pick 245 — New England Patriots

D.J. Ivey (CB, Miami) – Round 7 — Pick 246 — Cincinnati Bengals

Kendall Williamson (S, Stanford) – Round 7 — Pick 258 — Chicago Bears

 

2023 Undrafted Free Agent Signings:

Jayson Ademilola (DL, Notre Dame) – Jacksonville Jaguars

Mitchell Agude (OLB, Miami) – Miami Dolphins

Holton Ahlers (QB, East Carolina) – Seattle Seahawks

Deslin Alexandre (DL, Pittsburgh) – New York Jets

Alan Ali (OL, TCU) – Minnesota Vikings

Daniel Arias (WR, Colorado) – Arizona Cardinals

Calvin Avery (DL, Illinois) – Minnesota Vikings

Michael Ayers (LB, Ashland University) – Seattle Seahawks

Micah Baskerville (LB, LSU) – Chicago Bears

Nico Bolden (DS, Kent State) – Carolina Panthers

Ronnie Brown (RB, Shepherd) – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jason Brownlee (WR, Southern Mississippi) – New York Jets

Randy Charlton (DL, Mississippi State) – Miami Dolphins

Macon Clark (DS, Tulane) – Chicago Bears

C.J. Coldon (DC, Oklahoma) Minnesota Vikings

Brandon Council (OL, Auburn) – New York Jets

Malik Cunningham (QB, Louisville) – New England Patriots

Emari Demercado (RB, TCU) – Arizona Cardinals

Trevor Downing (OL, Iowa State) – Pittsburgh Steelers

Collin Duncan (DS, Mississippi State) – Los Angeles Rams

Cory Durden (DL, North Carolina State) – Detroit Lions

Silas Dzansi (OL, Virginia Tech) – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Michael Ezeike (TE, UCLA) – Los Angeles Chargers

Joey Fisher (OL, Shepherd) – San Francisco 49ers

Darrious Gaines (DC, Western Colorado) – Denver Broncos

Noah Gindorff (TE, North Dakota State) – Seattle Seahawks

Xavier Gipson (WR, Stephen F. Austin) – New York Jets

Taylor Grimes (WR, Incarnate Ward) – Denver Broncos

Darius Hagans (RB, Virginia State) – Indianapolis Colts

Malik Hamm (DL, Lafayette) – Baltimore Ravens

Keilahn Harris (WR, Oklahoma Baptist) – Atlanta Falcons

Kaleb Hayes (DC, BYU) – Jacksonville Jaguars

Malik Heath (WR, Mississippi) – Green Bay Packers

Louis Hedley (PT, University of Miami) – New Orleans Saints

Noah Henderson (OL, East Carolina) – Buffalo Bills

Keenan Isaac (DC, Alabama State) – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Trey Jacobs (OL, South Florida) – Denver Broncos

Jaray Jenkins (WR, LSU) – Jacksonville Jaguars

Nash Jensen (OL, North Dakota State) – Carolina Panthers

Braydon Johnson (WR, Oklahoma State) – Buffalo Bills

C.J. Johnson (WR, East Carolina) – Seattle Seahawks

Durrell Johnson (OLB, Liberty) – Dallas Cowboys

Quindell Johnson (DS, Memphis) – Los Angeles Rams

Steven Jones Jr. (DC, Appalachian State) – Tennessee Titans

Mikel Jones (LB, Syracuse) – Los Angeles Chargers

Brandon Kipper (OL, Oregon State) – Baltimore Ravens

Malik Knowles (WR, Kansas State) – Minnesota Vikings

Harris LaChance (OL, BYU) – Indianapolis Colts

Johnny Lumpkin (TE, Louisiana) – New England Patriots

Tashawn Manning (OL, Kentucky) – Baltimore Ravens

Justin Marshall (WR, University of Buffalo) – Atlanta Falcons

Adrian Martinez (QB, Kansas State) – Detroit Lions

Corey Mayfield (DC, UT-San Antonio) – Baltimore Ravens

Camren McDonald (TE, Florida State) – Green Bay Packers

Ryan Miller (WR, Furman) – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Mark Milton (DC, Baylor) – Carolina Panthers

Tyler Murray (LB, Memphis) – Cincinnati Bengals

Garrett Nelson (DL, Nebraska) – Miami Dolphins

Joseph Ngata (WR, Clemson) – Philadelphia Eagles

David Perales (DL, Fresno State) – Pittsburgh Steelers

Jimmy Phillips Jr. (LB, SMU) – Green Bay Packers

Thomas Rush (OLB, Minnesota) – Tennessee Titans

Brady Russell (TE, Colorado) – Philadelphia Eagles

DJ Scaife Jr. (OL, University of Miami) – Miami Dolphins

Ben Sims (TE, Baylor) – Minnesota Vikings

Christian Sims (TE, Bowling Green State) – Los Angeles Rams

Jacob Slade (DL, Michigan State) – Arizona Cardinals

Chris Smith (RB, Louisiana) – Seattle Seahawks

Keidron Smith (DC, Kentucky) – Miami Dolphins

Titus Swen (RB, Wyoming) – Indianapolis Colts

Ryan Swoboda (OL, Central Florida) – Detroit Lions

George Tarlas (DL, Boise State) – Las Vegas Raiders

SaRodorick Thompson (RB, Texas Tech) – New Orleans Saints

Mitchell Tinsley (WR, Penn State) – Washington Commanders

Brycen Tremayne (WR, Stanford) – Washington Commanders

Zeke Vandenburgh (OLB, Illinois State) – Miami Dolphins

Quavian White (DC, Georgia State) – Arizona Cardinals

Emanuel Wilson (RB, Fort Valley State) – Denver Broncos

Owen Wright (RB, Monmouth) – Baltimore Ravens

 

The NFLPA is extremely proud of all our alumni for reaching this big moment and we look forward to seeing what they will achieve at the next level. Make sure to follow the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl on Instagram and Twitter.

 

 

It was a great weekend in Kansas City for the 2023 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl class. Sixteen players were selected during the NFL draft and Collegiate Bowl history was made when Sean Clifford became the highest-drafted quarterback after being picked by the Green Bay Packers in the 5th round.

Below are all of the players who were taken in the 2023 NFL Draft (listed in draft order).

Marte Mapu (LB, Sacramento State) – Round 3 — Pick 76 — New England Patriots
Sidy Sow (G, Eastern Michigan) – Round 4 — Pick 117 — New England Patriots
Jon Gaines II (G, UCLA) – Round 4 — Pick 122 — Arizona Cardinals
Sean Clifford (QB, Penn State) – Round 5 — Pick 149 — Green Bay Packers
Zaire Barnes (LB, Western Michigan) – Round 6 — Pick 184 — New York Jets
Scott Matlock (DT, Boise State) – Round 6 — Pick 200 — Los Angeles Chargers
Ameer Speed (CB, Michigan State) – Round 6 — Pick 214 — New England Patriots
Brad Robbins (P, Michigan) – Round 6 — Pick 217 — Cincinnati Bengals
Jovaughn Gwyn (OG, South Carolina) – Round 7 — Pick 225 — Atlanta Falcons
Cooper Hodges (T, Appalachian State) – Round 7 — Pick 226 — Jacksonville Jaguars
Jason Taylor II (S, Oklahoma State) – Round 7 — Pick 234 — Los Angeles Rams
Anthony Johnson (S, Iowa State) – Round 7 — Pick 242 — Green Bay Packers
Jordon Riley (DT, Oregon) – Round 7 — Pick 243 — New York Giants
Isaiah Bolden (CB, Jackson State) – Round 7 — Pick 245 — New England Patriots
D.J. Ivey (CB, Miami) – Round 7 — Pick 246 — Cincinnati Bengals
Kendall Williamson (S, Stanford) – Round 7 — Pick 258 — Chicago Bears

The 2023 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl featured one of the best talent pools since its beginning in 2012. Many players made big impressions on scouts during the week and as a result — 20 players have been invited to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine. This year’s event takes place at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis from March 2-5. Below is the list of players, by position, who have accepted invites to the event. The list will be updated as the remaining invites are sent out.

Quarterback:
Malik Cunningham, Louisville

Running Back:
SaRodorick Thompson, Texas Tech

Wide Receiver:
Jason Brownlee, Southern Mississippi
Malik Heath, Mississippi
Jaray Jenkins, LSU
CJ Johnson, East Carolina
Malik Knowles, Kansas State
Joseph Ngata, Clemson
Mitchell Tinsley, Penn State

Tight End:
Noah Gindorff, North Dakota State
Kyle Patterson, Air Force

Offensive Linemen:
Alan Ali, TCU
Jon Gaines II, UCLA
Jovaughn Gwyn, South Carolina
Tashawn Manning, Kentucky
Sidy Sow, Eastern Michigan

Linebackers:
Micah Baskerville, LSU

Defensive Backs:
Anthony Johnson, Iowa State
Jason Taylor II, Oklahoma State

Specialists:
Brad Robbins, Michigan

The 11th edition of the annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl took place on January 28 at the historic Rose Bowl Stadium. For just the second time, the American Team beat the National Team after a last-second field goal made it 19-17.

American Team quarterback Holton Ahlers (East Carolina) earned MVP honors after completing 9 out of 12 passes for 189 yards and a touchdown.

Click below to view the final box score.
NFLPA_FINAL

2023 NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL ROSTER RELEASED

WASHINGTON, D.C. – With game week just around the corner, the NFL Players Association released the full roster for the 11^th edition of its annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl on Saturday.

The all-star showcase once again features a collection of the top senior prospects in college football as they put their skills on display in front of NFL scouts and a national television audience at the historic Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California.

The roster has been split into two groups: the American team, led by former Tennessee Titans and St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher, and the National team, led by legendary Titans running back and current Tennessee State University head coach Eddie George.

This year’s game is scheduled to take place on Saturday, January 23, culminating a week-long experience during which the participants will learn about the business of football and what it takes to succeed at the next level. The contest will kick off at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT and be televised on NFL Network.

Click here to view the full player rosters for the American and National teams. Please note: rosters are subject to change.

For Immediate Release
January 18, 2023

From Pro Bowlers and Pro Football Hall of Famers to Super Bowl champions and seasoned gurus, the assistant coaches for the 2023 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl boast a wealth of football experience.

Head coaches Eddie George (National Team) and Jeff Fisher (American Team) unveiled their respective coaching staffs Wednesday, giving this year’s class of NFLPA Collegiate Bowl participants a taste of the world-class training they will receive in preparation for the 11^th annual showcase – as well as for their looming professional football careers.

For the National Team, Hall of Fame legend Jackie Slater is returning for a seventh straight year to serve as one of the offensive linemen coaches. He will be joined by the likes of former first-team All-Pro Keith Bulluck (linebackers coach), who starred alongside George for the Tennessee Titans; five-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion Andre Rison (wide receivers coach); and two-time Super Bowl champ Brandon Jacobs (offensive coaching intern).

On the other side, Fisher’s American Team staff features current and former standout NFL players. Known as one of the greatest return specialists of all time, Josh Cribbs is back as special teams coach, while one-time Pro Bowl wideout Chris Chambers is returning to coach up the wide receiver group. Serving in the role of active player intern is Seattle wide receiver Tyler Lockett, who has earned All-Pro honors three times and once led the league in kickoff return yards during his eight-year career with the Seahawks.

The 11th NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will be played on Saturday, January 28 at the historic Rose Bowl Stadium in California, bringing together top draft-eligible players from colleges and conferences across the country. The much-anticipated showcase will be broadcast on NFL Network with kickoff scheduled for 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT.

For the latest news and updates on the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, visit the game’s website at http://collegiate.nflpa.com/ and follow @NFLPABowl on Twitter and Instagram.

Here are the full coaching staffs for the American and National teams:

NATIONAL TEAM
Head Coach: Eddie George
Offensive Coordinator: Mark Frederick
Defensive Coordinator: Joe Bowden
Quarterbacks Coach: Seneca Wallace
Running Backs Coach: Robert Edwards
Wide Receivers Coach: Andre Rison
Wide Receivers Coach: Chad Lucas
Tight Ends Coach: Jason Dunn
Offensive Line Coach: Jackie Slater
Offensive Line Coach: Cameron Clark
Defensive Line Coach: Cliff Matthews
Defensive Line Coach: Kendall Simmons
Linebackers Coach: Keith Bulluck
Defensive Backs Coach: Benny Sapp
Defensive Backs Coach: Richard McNutt
Special Teams Coach: Keith Burns
Specialist/Assistant: Nick Novak
Offensive Coaching Intern: Brandon Jacobs
Defensive Coaching Intern: Kevin Dockery
Active Player Intern: Chris Rowland
Active Player Intern: Robert Spillane
GA: Gunner Daniel

AMERICAN TEAM
Head Coach: Jeff Fisher
Offensive Coordinator: Matt Leone
Defensive Coordinator: Tim Hauck
Quarterbacks Coach: Rod Rutherford
Running Backs Coach: Carey Davis
Wide Receivers Coach: Derrick Alexander
Wide Receivers Coach: Chris Chambers
Tight Ends Coach: Brandon Manumaleuna
Offensive Line Coach: Rich Seubert
Offensive Line Coach: Lance Zeno
Defensive Line Coach: Brian Price
Defensive Line Coach: Domata Peko
Linebackers Coach: Reggie Givens
Defensive Backs Coach: Bobby Sippio
Defensive Backs Coach: Arturo Freeman
Special Teams Coach: Joshua Cribbs
Specialist/Assistant: Nick Novak
Offensive Coaching Intern: Geremy Davis
Defensive Coaching Intern: Marvin Bohannon
Active Player Intern: Tyler Lockett
GA: Brandon Bryant
GA (Ops): Zac Sias

After teaming up for eight successful seasons as player and coach with the Tennessee Titans/Houston Oilers, Eddie George, and Jeff Fisher will be pitted against one another as head coaches for the 2023 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.

The 11^th annual installment of the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will take place on January 28 at the historic Rose Bowl Stadium in California and air live on NFL Network at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT. George will lead the National Team, while Fisher returns for a second year in a row to lead the American Team.

Between them, George and Fisher boast 25 years of coaching experience, 14 seasons as NFL players, a Super Bowl ring, and two other Super Bowl appearances, ensuring that there will be plenty of wisdom to go around for the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl participants.

“I’ve witnessed firsthand the caliber of players who come through the Collegiate Bowl, as well as the top-notch experience, provided them by the NFLPA in teaching the business of football,” said George, who has coached the Tennessee State University football team for the past two seasons. “It’s a great honor to now be a head coach in the game – and to do it with and against my former NFL coach makes it that much more exciting.”

One of the most prolific rushers in NCAA and NFL history, George was selected as the 1995 Heisman Trophy winner after racking up a school-record 1,927 yards and 24 touchdowns on the ground for Ohio State.

As a first-round selection by Fisher and the Oilers (now the Titans), the physical rusher found more success at the pro level. Following a 1996 campaign that saw him earn NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, George went on to make four Pro Bowl teams, lead the Titans to an appearance in Super Bowl XXXIV and served on the NFLPA Executive Committee from 1997-2004.

The All-Pro rusher retired from the NFL in 2006, capping a nine-season career with the Oilers/Titans and Dallas Cowboys. As a member of the Titans/Oilers Ring of Honor, he remains the franchise career leader in rushing yards (10,009) and touchdowns (74).

Fisher also left his mark in the Titans record books, but the Los Angeles native’s football career began in earnest at the site of the Collegiate Bowl. As a member of the University of Southern California football team, he played in – and won — the 1978 and 1979 Rose Bowls. More hardware came at the professional level, as he triumphed in Super Bowl XX as a defensive back and return specialist for the Chicago Bears.

His defensive prowess pushed him to the NFL coaching ranks, where he had several stints as a defensive assistant for the Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams, and San Francisco 49ers before taking over as head coach of the then-Houston Oilers during the 1994 season.

Fisher went on to coach 16 more years for the franchise, which changed their name to Tennessee Titans, and made a run to the Super Bowl XXXIV with the likes of George and quarterback Steve McNair during the 1999 season. After achieving six playoff appearances, three division titles, 2008 Maxwell Club Coach of the Year honors, and becoming the winningest coach in franchise history with 147 victories, Fisher moved on to coach the St. Louis Rams from 2012 to 2016.

The duo reunited in 2021, when Fisher joined George’s staff as an advisor at Tennessee State. With the resurrection of the USFL, Fisher returned to the helm in January 2022 as the current head coach and general manager for the Michigan Panthers.

“I was really excited when I was approached about coaching the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl prospects for a second consecutive year,” said Fisher, whose team came up just short during a 25-24 loss in the 2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. “My experience last year was extraordinary.

“It was a first-class event that included great food, top-notch hotel accommodations, and an amazing support staff,” Fisher added. “I also loved getting the opportunity to spend time with the former players as they coached and prepared the team not only to compete in the game but also to showcase their ability in front of scouts during the week. This experience definitely prepares the players for what’s ahead this coming spring and beyond.”

For the latest news and updates on the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, visit the game’s website and follow @NFLPABowl on Twitter and Instagram.

Congratulations to the 250-plus NFLPA Collegiate Bowl alumni who suited up in the 103^rd NFL regular season. There were plenty of players who hail from the NFLPA Bowl event who stood out throughout the year but none more than those below. We honor the top standouts from the 2022 campaign! The 11^th Annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl airs on Sunday, January 28^th, 2023 on NFL Network at 6:00pm Eastern time. Be sure to tune-in!

OFFENSE

QB GJ Kinne, Texas State: After guiding Incarnate Ward to the FCS semifinals, the 34-year-old Kinne was recently named head coach of Texas State.

RB Deon Jackson, Indianapolis Colts: An undrafted free agent in 2021, the second-year backup filled in admirably when needed, totaling 476 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns.

WR Marcus Valdes-Scantling, Kansas City Chiefs: In his first season with the Chiefs, ‘MVS’ registered a career-high 42 catches, for 687 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns.

WR Darnell Mooney, Chicago Bears: Despite missing five games, Mooney had more catches (40) and receiving yards (493) than any Bears wideout, while adding two touchdowns.

WR Russell Gage, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A shrewd offseason signing, Gage appeared in 13 games, making four starts, while grabbing 51 balls, for 426 receiving yards and five touchdowns.

TE Will Dissly, Seattle Seahawks: A five-year veteran, Dissly finished with 34 catches, for 349 receiving yards, both career highs, to go along with three scores.

OL Kelvin Beachum, Arizona Cardinals: Completed his 11^th season, starting all 17 games. Beachum now has started 147-of-152 games played, across four different organizations.

OL Jermaine Eluemunor, Las Vegas Raiders: Filled in at multiple spots, making 17 starts in his second year with the Raiders after stints with the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens.

OL Hjalte Froholdt, Cleveland Browns: Appeared in 17 games, making six starts and contributing on special teams in his third season of action.

OL Will Fries, Indianapolis Colts: The Penn State product emerged as a key cog during his second season, starting nine of sixteen games played for the Colts in 2022.

OL Foster Sarell, Los Angeles Chargers: Was a key backup called upon to step into the starting lineup down the stretch of the season, appearing in seven games, making three starts.

DEFENSE 

DE Sam Williams, Dallas Cowboys: Became highest drafted player in NFLPA Bowl history (56^th overall) in April and followed it up with 22 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss and four sacks.

DT Grover Stewart, Indianapolis Colts: Finished his sixth season (fourth as a starter) by racking up 70 tackles, including nine tackles for loss and four sacks from the interior.

DT Teair Tart, Tennessee Titans: Demonstrated vast improvement, starting 16 games, making 34 tackles, including five tackles for loss and one-and-a-half sacks.

DE James Houston, Detroit Lions: While he only appeared in seven games, Houston made his case for Defensive Rookie of the Year, compiling 12 tackles and eight sacks in limited action.

LB Frankie Luvu, Carolina Panthers: The most improved player in the NFL, Luvu finished with 111 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and a pick-six interception return for touchdown.

LB Quincy Williams, New York Jets: A disruptor for the Jets, Williams finished with his second consecutive 100-plus tackle season (106), to go along with 12 tackles for loss and three sacks.

LB Elandon Roberts, Miami Dolphins: A seven-year pro Roberts completed year three with the Dolphins, setting career highs in tackles (107), tackles for loss (10), and sacks (four and a half).

CB L’Jarius Sneed, Kansas City Chiefs: One of the premier slot cornerbacks in the NFL, Sneed made his presence known, collecting 108 tackles, 11 pass deflections, and three interceptions.

CB DaRon Bland, Dallas Cowboys: A day three rookie draft gem, Bland started the final eight games of the season and finished with 54 tackles, seven pass deflections, and five interceptions.

S Duron Harmon, Las Vegas Raiders: Finishing up his tenth season, Harmon registered a career-high 86 tackles, to go along with two interceptions (23 for his career) and first NFL touchdown.

S Darrick Forrest, Washington Commanders: Made vast development, starting 11 of 17 games, with 88 tackles, nine pass deflections, four interceptions, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.

PK Cairo Santos, Chicago Bears: Connected on 91.3% of his field goal attempts, making 21-of-23, including four-of-five attempts from beyond 50 yards and 57.1% touchback percentage.

P Drue Chrisman, Cincinnati Bengals: A field position weapon, Chrisman averaged 47.8 yards per punt, with a net of 42.6, including 13 punts pinned inside the 20 in just seven games.

KR/PR Jamal Agnew, Jacksonville Jaguars: Had 547 kick return yards, averaging 26 yards per return, along with 205 punt return yards, averaging 8.2 per return; had 1,025 all-purpose yards.

With approximately 250 players on active NFL rosters or practice squads each Sunday, there are numerous NFLPA Collegiate Bowl standouts every week around the league. Our Week 17 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Alumni Spotlight features a do-it-all dynamo, a pass-rush rookie phenom, a Polynesian prime-time performer, and looks at the life of an undrafted journeyman. Buckle up and enjoy!

James Houston
Detroit Lions rookie linebacker James Houston continues to make history, registering another three sacks this past week against the Chicago Bears. With eight sacks on the year, Houston and Adrian Hutchinson are the only rookie teammates to have seven sacks apiece. Even more fascinating is that Houston has only appeared in just six games in 2022. The Lions are assembling a strong nucleus of young core players and Houston plans to be a key cog of the future!

Avery Williams
The more you can do, the more valuable you are. No one exemplifies that more than NFLPA Collegiate Bowl alumni Avery Williams of the Atlanta Falcons. Originally chosen in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft as a defensive back, Williams has earned his way onto the playing field in an array of ways. His versatility was on full display once again this past week during the Falcons win over the Arizona Cardinals, as he was a factor in the running attack, receiving game, plus special teams as a gunner and return man. On the season, Williams has accumulated 746 all-purpose yards, along with three special teams tackles.

Steven Sims
Another player who has made his mark on special teams is Steven Sims of the Pittsburgh Steelers. At this stage of the season, players who have excelled on special teams often get rewarded when opportunities arise at their position. On Sunday Night Football, Sims made several spectacular grabs, as the Steelers rallied back to defeat their division-rival Baltimore Ravens. Sims would finish with three catches for 34 receiving yards, in addition to having a 29-yard kick return.

Frankie Luvu
After starring on special teams a year ago, Carolina Panthers linebacker Frankie Luvu has emerged as a bust-out player, as evidenced by his fifth double-digit tackle performance on the season this past week. The 2018 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl alumni has racked up 105 tackles, including 17 tackles for loss, nine quarterback hits, seven sacks, one forced fumble, and one pick-six interception return this season. Clearly, Luvu has been one of the most improved players in the NFL. The league has seen an influx of Polynesian players of late, as Luvu is one of approximately 70 Polynesians in the NFL, despite representing less than one-half percent of the US population.

Tyler Hall
With the departure of several notable veterans on the Las Vegas Raiders, the opportunity has arisen for cornerback Tyler Hall, who has made the most of his extended reps down the stretch of the season. He has been one of the Raiders’ best defenders over the last several weeks and he had a pair of pass deflections this past week while getting in on a tackle. On Christmas Eve, Hall totaled six tackles and now has three straight games with pass deflections. After stints with the Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Rams, the 2020 undrafted free agent out of Wyoming may have finally found a permanent landing spot in Las Vegas due to his impressive play.

NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Alumni Spotlight 

• Week One
• Week Two
• Week Three
• Week Four
• Week Five
• Week Six
• Week Seven
• Week Eight
• Week Nine
• Week Ten
• Week Eleven
• Week Twelve
• Week Thirteen
• Week Fourteen
• Week Fifteen
• Week Sixteen

*Be sure to follow us @NFLPABowl for the latest player acceptances and updates for the 11^th Annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, January 28^th, 2023 on NFL Network.

With approximately 250 players on active NFL rosters or practice squads each Sunday, there are numerous NFLPA Collegiate Bowl standouts every week around the league. In Week 16, the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl alumni saw their defensive backs ball out! Let’s take a look at some of the stellar play from the secondary players around the league who hail from our event.  

L’Jarius Sneed
One of the best-kept secrets in the NFL might just be Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed. Despite being snubbed of the Pro Bowl, the 2020 fourth-round pick could be in contention to be named an All-Pro due to his stellar play in the slot. Sneed was back at it again this week, collecting seven tackles, as the Chiefs currently hold the top seed in the AFC. On the season, Sneed has racked up a remarkable 102 tackles, including five tackles for loss, ten pass deflections, two interceptions, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery with two games remaining.

Duron Harmon
One of the longest-tenured NFLPA Collegiate Bowl alumni is safety Duron Harmon, who turns 32 next month. Playing on his fourth team in as many seasons, Harmon knows better than anyone, rent is due every day in the NFL, despite having over a decade in the league. The Rutgers product has had one of his best seasons to date, in lieu of the Las Vegas Raiders struggles. He registered another six tackles this past week against the Pittsburgh Steelers and now needs four more tackles to set a new career-high (he currently has 70 tackles). With two more interceptions this year, Harmon now has 23 for his career and appears to have plenty of gas left in the tank.

Nate Hobbs
Playing alongside Harmon in the Raiders secondary is cornerback Nate Hobbs. The 2021 fifth-round pick emerged as a starter toward the end of last season and has provided dependable play since. After battling injuries earlier in the season, the second-year cover man has bounced back to have another solid year for Las Vegas. In nine games played this year, Hobbs has racked up 63 tackles, including three tackles for loss, three pass deflections, one sack, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. He has proven to be a true day three draft gem!

Darrick Forrest
Another fifth-round pick who has exceeded expectations is safety Darrick Forrest, who has earned a starting role for a Washington Commanders team that is deep at the safety spot. It has been hard for head coach Ron Rivera to keep the second-year playmaker off the field this season, as he has made numerous big plays on defense. He had another solid game this past week and has now played in all 15 games, making nine starts, with 76 tackles, eight pass deflections, four interceptions, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. The future is bright for Forrest.

DaRon Bland
The Dallas Cowboys also struck gold by selecting an NFLPA Collegiate Bowl alumni in the fifth round. There doesn’t seem to be a week that goes by without DaRon Bland making his presence felt and this week was as big as ever. He made five tackles and had a key interception to help Dallas knock off the first-place Philadelphia Eagles. The Cowboys, along with Bland have begun to heat up, as the rookie has started the past six games, including his first start on the boundary in Week 16. In addition, 27 of his 32 tackles have come during the past seven games, while he also has seven pass deflections and an impressive five interceptions in 2022.

Josh Blackwell
An undrafted rookie free agent, Chicago Bears cornerback Joshua Blackwell has shown that he belongs in the NFL. He had another four tackles this past week against the Buffalo Bills and has stepped in to provide stable play, as Chicago deals with depleted secondary depth. Blackwell has appeared in all 15 games on the season, including one start, and has 18 tackles, along with one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. A job well done, Blackwell has helped navigate the turmoil for Chicago and his experience will be beneficial for his long-term development.

NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Alumni Spotlight 

• Week One
• Week Two
• Week Three
• Week Four
• Week Five
• Week Six
• Week Seven
• Week Eight
• Week Nine
• Week Ten
• Week Eleven
• Week Twelve
• Week Thirteen
• Week Fourteen
• Week Fifteen

*Be sure to follow us @NFLPABowl for the latest player acceptances and updates for the 11^th Annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, January 28^th, 2023 on NFL Network.