Although the college football season has ended, WVU Mountaineers continue to showcase their football skills in the NFL. Numerous WVU alumni are actively playing and impressing audiences on a weekly basis.
Although quarterbacks and position players receive media attention, it can be challenging for casual fans to be familiar with every player on all teams. Each NFL team has a roster size of 53 players.
Although none of the Mountaineers in the league are competing for MVP awards, there are a number of them who consistently make valuable contributions to their respective teams.
As the NFL season nears its end, anticipation builds for the upcoming 2022 NFL draft. Despite several veterans opting to return to Morgantown for their final year, it is expected that numerous WVU football players will still be chosen.
WVU football in the NFL
Despite WVU’s recent bowl game not going as planned, there are numerous players who continue to excel in their professional careers while proudly representing the school.
During Week 18, numerous individuals, including a few consistent starters from various teams, were actively involved in the games.
Out of the entire group, Rasul Douglas from Green Bay stands out as potentially the most remarkable. Throughout the season, he has been delivering an outstanding performance for the Packers, especially stepping up when Jaire Alexander was unable to play.
In a span of only 12 games, Douglas showcased his exceptional skills by securing five interceptions. Notably, he skillfully returned two of those interceptions for touchdowns. His outstanding contributions played a vital role in the success of the Packers team, which ultimately clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
Additionally, a few more starters are still competing in the NFL playoffs.
David Long Jr., a prominent linebacker for the Tennessee Titans, is currently in his third successful year in the NFL. Despite his limited participation in only 10 games, he impressively secured the second-highest total tackles on the team, amassing an impressive 75 tackles.
Long Jr. demonstrated his proficiency in coverage as well, achieving six pass deflections and two interceptions.
Similar to Green Bay, the Titans have secured the first position in the AFC and are set to commence their playoffs next weekend.
In the crucial final game of the season, WVU’s Colton McKivitz was chosen over the injured Trent Williams to start for the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18.
After defeating the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, San Francisco is now advancing to face Green Bay with Williams back in action.
Numerous professional teams have several Mountaineers in significant positions.
Guard Mark Glowinski is currently in his seventh season in the NFL, marking his fourth year with the Indianapolis Colts. Throughout his time with the team, he has played a significant role, starting in 14 games. Notably, Glowinski contributed to the Colts’ dominant running attack, which ranked as the best in the entire NFL.
Inspite of narrowly missing the postseason, Jonathan Taylor, the running back, delivered an unforgettable performance throughout the year. He showcased his incredible skills by rushing for over 1,800 yards and scoring 18 touchdowns, all while maintaining an impressive average of 5.5 yards per carry.
Kyzir White of the Chargers had an impressive season, showcasing remarkable performance. He topped Los Angeles’ charts with an impressive tally of 144 tackles and also managed to secure two interceptions.
Additional Mountaineers on NFL rosters
White had a commendable performance as a linebacker, earning him the eighth position in terms of tackles among all players. His outstanding 90 solo tackles also secured him a spot near the top of the league leaderboard.
In the last week of the regular season, a handful of extra WVU players got the opportunity to step onto the field.
Kenny Robinson, a safety for the Carolina Panthers, made his mark in the final week with an impressive performance of five solo tackles.
Bruce Irvin Jr., a seasoned veteran, continues to contribute to the Chicago Bears. In Week 18, he played approximately 20 snaps and recorded a tackle, earning his spot in the box score.
Tony Fields from Cleveland had his first taste of action, participating in 15 plays on special teams to wrap up his debut year.
David Sills, the wide receiver for the Giants, had a role on both offense and special teams in the game against Washington. He successfully caught a pass in each of the two weeks leading up to the game.
The Seahawks had quarterback Geno Smith on the roster as an active player, while Russell Wilson held the position of the starting quarterback.
Several individuals are currently listed on NFL rosters, however, they are either inactive, injured, or part of a team’s practice squad. This group consists of the following individuals:
- Will Grier is being considered by the Dallas Cowboys.
- The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed Tavon Austin.
- Cincinnati Bengals have signed Quinton Spain.
- The Las Vegas Raiders have acquired the talented linebacker, Nick Kwiatkoski.
- Yodny Cajuste is a member of the New England Patriots.
- Kevin White is currently a member of the New Orleans Saints football team.
- Trevon Wesco is a player for the New York Jets.
- Daryl Worley has signed with the Baltimore Ravens.
- Adam Panky is a member of the Miami Dolphins.
- Karl Joseph has joined the Pittsburgh Steelers.
2022 NFL draft preview
Defensive lineman Dante Stills, a prominent figure in the WVU team, has decided to return for another year of eligibility. Stills emerged as a standout player this season, leading the Mountaineers with an impressive seven sacks. He was highly regarded as a potential midround draft pick.
Stills has the opportunity to further boost his draft prospects next fall, thanks to the NCAA rules allowing athletes an additional year of eligibility due to the pandemic.
This decision grants linebacker Josh Chandler-Semedo the chance to further enhance his remarkable season as well. The senior athlete, who played a crucial role in leading WVU, emerged as one of the top performers nationwide with an impressive total of 110 tackles.
Running back Leddie Brown is likely the top prospect from WVU entering this year’s draft, as he made the decision to opt out of the Mountaineers’ bowl game in order to concentrate on preparing for the upcoming spring event.
Once again, he accomplished the feat of rushing for 1,000 yards this season, solidifying his potential as a reliable professional running back. As he adapts to playing behind an NFL line, his talent for catching passes is expected to translate seamlessly. Brown’s impressive reception count of 36 this season, along with 31 from the previous year, further exemplify his versatility.
With numerous talented college players, he is set to take part in the East-West Shrine Bowl.
Safety Alonzo Addae, who ranked third on the WVU defense with 73 tackles, is another Mountaineer participating in a postseason All-Star game.
Addae agreed to participate in the 2022 Hula Bowl, an exhibition event designed to highlight draft prospects, after receiving an invitation.
This past weekend, Addae orchestrated an exceptional performance, showcasing his prowess both in tackling and coverage, as reported.
In this year’s draft, both players have a chance to be selected, although their projected draft positions are not expected to be very high. According to most draft rankings, Brown and Addae are not ranked within the top 150 prospects.
In the near future, West Virginia sportsbooks will present the odds for the upcoming draft, set to commence on Thursday, April 28th.
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