19 Montanans To Watch This NFL Preseason
We were able to to track down 19 Montanans participating in this year’s NFL preseason. They either played high school ball in the state or played at UM/MSU. It is a good mix of rookies and veterans. Long shots and sure things. Although preseason stats are mostly useless, we did our best to get a picture of how the player has been playing and his chances of making the team. For offensive lineman, there are no meaningful stats to base an opinion on, so we just made an informed guess.
Let us know if we missed anyone: hello@montana-mint.com
Brock Coyle
Seattle Seahawks – LB
Montana Cred: Played at University of Montana
Preseason Performance: 5 tackles against Broncos, 8 against the Chargers
Outlook: Despite big numbers, fighting for roster spot
Press: Brock Coyle latest Seattle Seahawks undrafted free agent to get opportunity to earn roster spot
Brock Osweiler
Denver Broncos – QB
Montana Cred: Played at Flathead High
Preseason Performance: 85 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT against the Seahawks. 105 yards, 1 TD against the 49ers.
Outlook: Backing up the best in the game, Kallispell’s Osweiler has a secure spot in Denver.
Press: Is Brock Osweiler really the Heir Apparent to Peyton Manning?
Caleb McSurdy
Cleveland Browns – LB
Montana Cred: played at University of Montana
Preseason Performance: No stats yet as he was just signed
Outlook: Cut last year by the Cowboys after season ending injury. Fighting for a roster spot with the Browns.
Press: Browns Sign ILB Caleb McSurdy
Chase Reynolds
St. Louis Rams – RB
Montana Cred: played at University of Montana and Drummond High
Preseason Performance: 56 total yards against the Saints in first preseason game
Outlook: After season ending injury to running back Isaiah Pead, Reynolds spot on the Rams roster looks secure.
Press: Undrafted Chase Reynolds carving out a role with the Rams
Colt Anderson
Indianapolis Colts – FS
Montana Cred: Played at University of Montana and Butte High
Preseason Performance: Three total tackles in two games against the Giants and the Jets
Outlook: After four seasons with the Eagles, Anderson looks to find a spot for himself on the Indianapolis Colts.
Press: Anderson hopes to make name with Colts.
Dan Carpenter
Buffalo Bills – K
Montana Cred: Played at University of Montana and Helena High
Preseason Performance: 5 of 7 in FGs in two preseason game including one for 53 yards.
Outlook: Bills kicker is a league veteran and his job is safe. Upstate New York loves Dan Carpenter.
Press: Bills kicker Dan Carpenter not amused by Kid Rock comparisons
Dane Fletcher
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – LB
Montana Cred: Played at Montana State University and Bozeman High
Preseason Performance: 7 tackles in first two games.
Outlook: Looks to be a big factor in the Buccaneers defense
Press: Bucs linebacker Dane Fletcher looks to lead from the middle
Danny Kistler
Oakland Raiders – OT
Montana Cred: Played at University of Montana
Outlook: Kistler will need to demonstrate versatility to make Raiders roster.
Press: Former Griz O-Lineman Ready for NFL Preseason
Dwan Edwards
Carolina Panthers – DT
Montana Cred: Played at Columbus High School
Preseason Performance: One tackle in each of Carolina’s first two preseason games.
Outlook: This Billings native is a league veteran and his spot in Carolina looks safe.
Press: DTs Edwards, Cole valuable veterans
Jabin Sambrano
Atlanta Falcons – WR
Montana Cred: Played at University of Montana
Preseason Performance: 3 targets but no catches
Outlook: Long shot to make Falcons roster.
Press: Falcons Sign WR Jabin Sambrano
Jimmy Wilson
Miami Dolphins – DB
Montana Cred: Played at University of Montana
Preseason Performance: 2 tackles against the Bucs and 1 tackle against the Falcons
Outlook: Likely the starting safety for Miami until Rashed Jones returns from suspension. Wilson’s preseason not off to great start
Press: Tackling a problem for Miami Dolphins’ Jimmy Wilson
Jordan Tripp
Miami Dolphins – LB
Montana Cred: Played at University of Montana
Preseason Performance: 2 tackles against the Bucs and 3 tackles against the Dolphins
Outlook: Strong play and weak competition help Tripp stand out. Has shot at roster
Press: Dolphins rookie Tripp getting serious look at linebacker
Kroy Biermann
Atlanta Falcons – DE
Montana Cred: Played at University of Montana and Hardin High
Preseason Performance: 3 tackles and lots of face time on Hard Knocks
Outlook: Bouncing back from an injury but spot on Falcons all but certain
Press: Biermann, Matthews brawl in ‘Hard Knocks’ teaser
Lex Hilliard
Free Agent – RB
Montana Cred: Played at University of Montana and Flathead High
Outlook: Hilliard is returning from a serious leg injury and waiting for call from any team to give him a chance.
Marc Mariani
Tennessee Titans – KR
Montana Cred: Played at University of Montana and Havre High
Preseason Performance: only 3 receptions this preseason, but importantly has been getting bulk of work on kick and punt returns
Outlook: The Titans resigned Mariani after missing two seasons to injury. His chances of making the final roster are pretty good unless another kick return option emerges.
Press: Did Marc Mariani Hurt His Chances to Make the Team?
Mike Person
St. Louis Rams – OT
Montana Cred: Played at Montana State and Dawson County High
Preseason Performance: Started in game against Packers
Outlook: Has spent past few seasons bouncing between Seahawks, Colts, and 49ers. Looking to make Rams roster.
Press: Rams hope healthy line boosts running game
Trumaine Johnson
St. Louis Rams – CB
Montana Cred: Played at University of Montana
Preseason Performance: Didn’t play in first game against the Saints, but recorded 3 tackles against the Packers.
Outlook: Expected to be a “Day one” starter for the Rams
Press: Rams Roster Preview: Trumaine Johnson
Will Poehls
Tennessee Titans – OT
Montana Cred: Played at University of Montana
Preseason Performance: Appeared in game against Packers
Outlook: Fighting for spot on Titans
Press: Former Griz O-Lineman Ready for NFL Preseason
Zach Minter
Dallas Cowboys – DT
Montana Cred: Played at Montana State University
Preseason Performance: 4 tackles, 2 sacks, and a forced fumble against Baltimore
Outlook: Just signed by the Cowboys, Minter dominated in first game… greatly helping chances of making team. Minter is a particular favorite of the Mint.
Press: Zach Minter shines in first game
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