The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/368728
92 ■ THE WOLFPACKER ■ PACK PROS "Nate played well last year when he was called on," Broncos defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio told the newspaper. "So I know he comes in with a lot of confidence. He's a heavy-handed guy, a bright guy, a good communicator." "The 'Mike' is a little bit easier for him," added Miller, who will return to the field and play alongside Irving this fall. "You can tell he's a natural there." NFL Player Updates All NFL teams had played two preseason games as of Aug. 20, and roster reductions loomed on the horizon. Squads had to be down to 75 players by Aug. 26 and teams finalized their 53-man rosters by 4 p.m. ET Aug. 30. Below is an update on where former Wolfpackers stood heading into the 2014 season. Through Aug. 20 • David Amerson (Played at NC State from 2010‑12), CB, Washington Redskins: The second-year pro is expected to start at cornerback for the Redskins. • Brandan Bishop (2009‑12), S, Minnesota Vi ‑ kings: Spent his rookie year on the team's practice squad and is listed as the fourth-string free safety. • Andre Brown (2005‑08), RB, Free Agent: Did not play in the Houston Texans' first preseason game and was released Aug. 11 … Cleared waivers the fol- lowing day. • Audie Cole (2008‑11), LB, Minnesota Vikings: The third-year professional started the final five games last fall and is currently listed as the backup middle line- backer … However, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer has said he would continue to rotate Cole and Jasper Brinkley during the preseason, and Cole reportedly had the inside track after two contests. • Jerricho Cotchery (2000‑03), WR, Carolina Panthers: When the Panthers released their depth chart in advance of the preseason opener, the 11-year veteran was listed atop one receiver position, opposite of first-round draft pick Kelvin Benjamin. • Mike Glennon (2011‑12), QB, Tampa Bay Buc ‑ caneers: The second-year quarterback is battling vet- eran Josh McCown for the starting job under center, but is currently listed second. • T.J. Graham (2008‑11), WR, Buffalo Bills: The three-year veteran is battling for a roster spot, despite starting six games last year … Listed third at one re- ceiver position in Buffalo's revamped pass catching corps. • Carlos Gray (2012‑13), DE, Green Bay Packers: The undrafted rookie is listed third at right defensive end in the Packers' 3-4 alignment. • Steven Hauschka (2007), K, Seattle Seahawks: Firmly entrenched as the starting kicker for the defend - ing Super Bowl champions, who inked him to a three- year deal in March. • Nate Irving (2007‑11), LB, Denver Broncos: Listed as Denver's starting middle linebacker. • Dontae Johnson (2010‑13), CB, San Francisco 49ers: The fourth-round draft pick is listed as a reserve cornerback for the 49ers … Logged four tackles and one pass broken up in his preseason debut. • Markus Kuhn (2007‑11), DT, New York Giants: Listed as the second-string right defensive tackle … Re - corded a sack in New York's second preseason contest. • Ted Larsen (2006‑09), OL, Arizona Cardinals: Started the first two preseason contests at center, but is listed second on the depth chart … Should be a factor in the competition for the starting left guard job, according to Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians. • Manny Lawson (2002‑05), DE, Buffalo Bills: Slotted as the backup defensive end opposite of for - mer NCSU teammate Mario Williams in the Bills' 4-3 defense. • Terrell Manning (2009‑11), LB, New York Gi‑ ants: Listed as the Giants' third-string middle linebacker and will likely have to stand out on special teams to make the final roster. • Tobais Palmer (2011‑12), WR, New Orleans Saints: After spending time with the Jacksonville Jaguars and San Diego Chargers last year, he is listed as a co- fourth-string wideout in New Orleans. • Philip Rivers (2000‑03), QB, San Diego Char ‑ gers: Enters his ninth straight campaign as the Chargers' starter under center. • J.R. Sweezy (2009‑11), OG, Seattle Seahawks: The third-year professional returns as the Super Bowl champions' starting right guard. • Stephen Tulloch (2003‑05), LB, Detroit Lions: The nine-year veteran will start in the middle of the Lions' defense for the fourth straight campaign. • Asa Watson (2010‑13), TE, Dallas Cowboys: The undrafted rookie signed with the Cowboys Aug. 13, after he was waived by the New England Patriots. • Mario Williams (2003‑05), DE, Buffalo Bills: The former No. 1 overall pick is entrenched atop the Bills' depth chart at one defensive end position. • Adrian Wilson (1998‑2000), S, Chicago Bears: The veteran of 13 NFL seasons is currently listed as the Bears' third-string strong safety … Missed last year while he battled Haglund's deformity, which is a bony enlarge - ment on the back of the heel. • C.J. Wilson (2009‑12), CB, Chicago Bears: Vying for a roster spot as a reserve for the Bears … Snared an interception in the second preseason contest to preserve a 20-19 victory. • Russell Wilson (2008‑10), QB, Seattle Se ‑ ahawks: Enters his third year as the starter with a Super Bowl title to defend. • Earl Wolff (2009‑12), S, Philadelphia Eagles: After returning from a knee injury that limited him in his rookie year, is listed as a second-team strong safety but is battling for the starting gig and reportedly taking first-team reps in camp. • Willie Young (2006‑09), DE, Chicago Bears: The free agent addition is currently listed No. 2 at the left defensive end position … Could be the backup on both sides and is also expected to be on the field in their sub packages. ■ Nate Irving — who started three playoff games, and made four tackles and broke up one pass in the Super Bowl last season — has positioned himself to be the Denver Broncos' starting middle linebacker in 2014. PHOTO BY ERIC BAKKE/DENVER BRONCOS