UConn in the NFL: First Quarter Report

The NFL season is a quarter of the way through and there have been lots of interesting headlines from sensational rookie performances to Tony Romo’s broadcasting skills, it’s really run the gamut.

Here’s a look at how the former UConn Huskies in the NFL are performing so far.

Andrew Adams (DB, NY Giants) – After starting for the Giants for a majority of last season, Adams was relegated to a backup role to start this one. Adams usually sees the field when the Giants are in their dime package. He is a contributor on special teams and has recorded 1 tackle so far.

Tyvon Branch (DB, Cardinals) – Branch has the third most tackles in this young NFL season. The 10-year veteran can still get after it. According to Pro Football Focus, he is rated as the #1 safety in the league! Let’s see if he can stay healthy, which has been a problem for most of his career.

Darius Butler (DB, Colts) – It has been a rough start to the season for Butler. He has seen time as the starting safety but has struggled. The Colts have given up the most points in the league and the secondary is in the bottom three for pass yards against. As one of the veterans of the secondary, Butler is going to have to get that group to shore things up across the season.

Ryan Griffin (TE, Texans) – Griffin has filled in respectively for the injured C.J. Fiedorowicz. He did miss the 2nd game due to having a concussion but rebounded with a TD catch against the Patriots in a Week 3 loss. We will see how he continues to develop with the rookie sensation Deshaun Watson. He was also named a team captain for Week Four.

Byron Jones (DB, Cowboys) – The 1st round pick from 2015 has continued to be a presence in the Cowboys secondary. He is currently ranked as the 18th best safety in the league by Pro Football Focus. He only has 18 tackles on the season, but makes plays all over the field in his role as a hybrid defensive back.

Robert McClain (DB, Bucs) – McClain had the most memorable play of any UConn player thus far in the young season when he intercepted Bears QB Mike Glennon and returned it for his first career pick-six in the Bucs’ first game of the season. McClain has been playing slot corner and is in his 8th year in the pros.

Obi Melifonwu (DB, Raiders) – The second round pick from this year’s draft has yet to see the field after undergoing minor knee surgery. The Raiders could use his help in the secondary as they have already given up multiple TDs to their opponents’ tight ends.

Anthony Sherman (FB, Chiefs) – Sherman is mostly a special teams player now as the Chiefs rarely use him as a fullback in their offense. The former All-Pro did make the most of his opportunity (on special teams) when he recovered a fumble late in the 1st half in a Week 2 victory against the Eagles.

Shamar Stephen (DL, Vikings) – Stephen recorded his first career sack in a win against the Bucs in Week 3. He is in a backup role, but has been playing in about 40% of defensive snaps as well as special teams.

Jordan Todman (HB, Texans) – Todman has only been used on special teams. He is deep on the depth chart in Houston with the likes of Lamar Miller, D’Onta Freeman, and Alfred Blue ahead of him in the running back position. He did have 1 kickoff return go for 23 yards.

Nick Williams (WR, Falcons) – Williams only saw playing time in the 4th game with Atlanta. He had to step in when Julio Jones and Mohammed Sanu went down with an injury. Williams caught 3 balls for a total of 30 yards in a losing effort against the Buffalo Bills. He might remain in the wide receiver mix if the injuries turn out to be serious.

Blidi Wreh-Wilson (DB, Falcons) – Wilson has only seen action in the last 2 games in a very limited role on special teams. He only saw 1 snap on the defensive side of the football.

Geremy Davis (WR, Chargers) – He is currently on their practice squad.

Noel Thomas (WR, Lions) – Thomas was on the Lions’ practice squad but was recently dropped