12 Former UConn Football Players Make 2017 NFL Rosters

Cut down day in the NFL is a tough time for rookies trying to make the team or a veteran hoping to extend their careers, as was the case for some UConn Huskies who were in camp with teams. Once the final cuts were made, 12 Huskies are on NFL rosters heading into Week 1. The other seven who were in camp will need to figure out their next move, whether it’s the CFL, or training and trying to catch on with a team during the season.

UConn had four rookies in training camp this summer, however only one made an initial 53-man roster. Obi Melinfonwu, a second-round pick of the Oakland Raiders, was the sole player to make it.

Noel Thomas was cut by the Detroit Lions, John Green was cut by the Dallas Cowboys, Richard Levy was cut by the New York Giants and Andreas Knappe was cut by the Atlanta Falcons.

A pair of former Huskies were able to crack the Falcons roster, however. Wide receiver and returner Nick Williams and cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson both earned a spot with the reigning NFC Champions. Wreh-Wilson made an impressive interception in their final preseason game on Thursday to help secure a job.

The majority of former UConn players to make a roster were defensive backs. In addition to Melifonwu and Wreh-Wilson, Andrew Adams stuck with the Giants, Tyvon Branch is on the Arizona Cardinals, Darius Butler is with the Indianapolis Colts, Byron Jones is on the Cowboys and Robert McClain made the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Running back Jordan Todman and tight end Ryan Griffin both earned jobs with the Houston Texans, but linebacker Sio Moore was released by the team. Fullback Anthony Sherman and defensive tackle Shamar Stephen made the Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings, respectively.

Things did not go as well for a pair of Huskies in Los Angeles. The Rams released Dan Orlovsky while Geremy Davis was cut by the Chargers. However, Davis signed on with the Chargers pract

UPDATE: Geremy Davis was signed to the Chargers practice squad on Monday afternoon.