Washington Huskies alumni in the NFL – 2020 wrap up: NFC South and East

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Jan 9, 2021
Washington Huskies NFL
Vita Vea, Washington Huskies NFL.

This year there were 36 Washington Huskies alumni in the NFL. PNWS takes a division by division look at how they fared. We continue with the NFC South and East Divisions.

The Washington Huskies have been a dependable supplier of talent to the professional ranks. This year, 36 University of Washington alumni were part of NFL Rosters. Pacific Northwest Sports reviews their performance this season, division by division. Today it’s Huskies alumni playing in the NFC South and East Divisions.

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons

Right tackle Kaleb McGary was drafted in the first round by Atlanta in 2019. This year he started the first dozen games until he had to miss the Chargers game in Week 14 for personal reasons. McGary returned to start the final two games. Pro Football Focus had the 6-8, 324-pound former Huskies star ranked 56th among tackles.

Carolina Panthers

Shaq Thompson finished his sixth season with the Carolina Panthers. Selected 25th overall by Carolina in 2015, he’s been a fairly regular starter. Though listed as a linebacker, Thompson’s specialty is playing Big Nickel on passing downs.

He had 113 tackles in 2020 to lead the Panthers. It was also the second straight season Thompson made over 100 tackles. The Panthers nominated him as their candidate for the “Walter Payton Man of the Year Award” this year for his contributions to the community.

New Orleans Saints

Running back Dwayne Washington made most of his impact for the Saints on special teams. Not so much on offense. This season he had eight carries for 15 yards.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs have three players from the University of Washington in their organization, headlined by nose tackle Vita Vea. The former Husky fan favorite was off to a good start this year with two sacks through five games. Unfortunately, the fifth game was his last. Against Chicago on Thursday night football, Vea suffered a broken leg that ended his 2020.

It’s been a bizarre season for wide receiver Jaydon Mickens. He’s played, been placed on the COVID-19 Restricted list, got cut, re-signed to the practice squad, and reactivated. Mickens’ bread and butter is as a return man. He finished the season fifth in the NFL with an average of 10.6 yards-per-punt return.

Rookie Benning Potoa’e signed with Tampa as an undrafted free agent. He spent the first 15 games of this season on the Bucs practice squad. In a bit of a surprise move, Potoa’e was active for Game 16 against Atlanta.

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys

Dallas has no former UW players.

Philadelphia Eagles

Tight end Joshua Perkins was just beginning to establish himself after four years in the NFL. Before this season started, he sustained an upper-body injury that kept him sidelined in 2020. Instead of backing up Zach Ertz, Perkins spent his time on injured reserve.

Washington Football Team

WFT had no Washington Huskies alumni.

New York Giants

After San Francisco waived him on November 3, the G-Men claimed Dante Pettis the following day and assigned him to their practice squad. He went active for the final two games seasons, catching four passes for 76 yards and a touchdown.

If you missed the first two parts of the series, click on the links for the NFC West and NFC North.

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