Washington Huskies Alumni in the NFL – NFC September

Herb Nightengale   |  

Sep 16, 2021

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NFC South

Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta has Kaleb McGary starting at right tackle for the third year in a row. Known as a good run blocker, McGary improved each season. The Falcons lost to the Philadelphia Eagles 32-6. Despite a big loss, the Falcons ran for 124 yards.

Carolina Panthers

Shaq Thompson is going into his seventh season as an outside linebacker. In 2020, he had his second consecutive 100+ tackles season. Shaq got off to a good start in 2021. During Carolina’s 19-14 win over the New York Jets, he had 10 tackles, a sack, and an interception.

The Panthers drafted cornerback Keith Taylor in the fifth round this year. Taylor begins his rookie season as a backup in his rookie season. He played last week but had no tackles or interceptions.

New Orleans Saints

Running back Dwayne Washington enters his fourth year with the Saints. Listed as the fourth running back on New Orleans’ depth chart, Washington thrives on special teams. In the Saints win over Green Bay, Washington did play 14 special teams plays, but none on offense.

Josiah Bronson signed a three-year contract with New Orleans as going undrafted this year. The defensive tackle currently is on the Saints practice squad.

Following his departure from Detroit, Desmond Trufant signed last week with New Orleans. Trufant, though new to the Saints, got into the game and made a tackle.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs are glad to have nose tackle Vita Vea back after breaking a leg in last season’s fifth game. A first-round draft pick in 2018, Vea has been Tampa Bay’s starting nose tackle since 2019. Tampa Bay Times reporter Rick Stroud said Vea was the Buccaneers’ most dominant defensive player in the opening game win over Dallas even though he didn’t make the stat sheet.

This year the Buccaneers drafted outside linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka in the first round. He may be listed as a linebacker, but he’s more of an edge rusher, similar to his position with the Washington Huskies. Tampa used the rookie in different spots on the field in the opening game against Dallas. He made two tackles.

Jaydon Mickens returned to Tampa for his third season. Originally part of the practice squad this year, Mickens was promoted to the main roster before the opener. Plying exclusively on special teams, Mickens had three kick returns for 92 yards and two punt returns for 21 yards.

Benning Potoa’e, a defensive end, is on the Buccaneers practice squad as he was in 2020.

Next: Page 5 – NFC East

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