NFL Preseason: Which Former FCS Rookies Helped Their Chances in Week 1?

Football is back. It may have just been the preseason but helmets were cracking and pads were popping around the NFL last weekend as pro football’s most intense, three-week tryouts officially got underway. Several young players are clawing for spots and we are just a few short weeks away from when the bell rings and rosters have to be trimmed down to 53. As hard as it is to make an NFL team, it’s often even harder for the guys coming up from the FCS ranks. A handful of them, however, threw their hats into the ring during the first round of preseason games. Here’s who made a splash:

Treyvhon Saunders, WR – Houston (Colgate)

It’s clear that the Texans coaching staff wants the ball in Treyvhon Saunders’ hands because on Thursday night the ex-Colgate receiver got touches in nearly every facet of the game. Saunders carried the ball, caught the ball and got his try at both kickoff and punt returns as well. When the dust settled in Houston’s 27-7 loss, he had amassed 111 all-purpose yards. The highlight of his night was a 34-yard kick return early in the second quarter. Being an undrafted rookie, Saunders will need as many chances as he can get and his preseason is off to a great start. Houston takes on Las Vegas on Thursday evening in their second exhibition game and Saunders should again see some significant action.

Charles Demmings, CB – Minnesota (Stephen F. Austin)

One of the top FCS prospects in this year’s class, Charles Demmings has been impressing for the Vikings this summer but he really turned it up a notch on Saturday against the Giants. Demmings, who was a fifth round pick by Minnesota, saw the field a ton and made the most of it. He got matched up with guys like Odell Beckham Jr. and held his own. Demmings’ stat line was nothing special as he recorded two tackles (both solo) but that was a testament to how quiet he kept his side of the field. As he continues to improve he’ll surely get more playing time on the back end of the Vikings defense.

Cole Payton, QB – Philadelphia (North Dakota State)

The Eagles may have lost to Baltimore on Saturday evening in Baltimore but quarterback Cole Payton made a real case for himself to be in the QB room behind Jalen Hurts this season. He was a fifth round draft pick in the Spring and, on the lone scoring drive, Payton used his legs and his arm to make it happen. He led Philadelphia in both rushing (45 yards on three carries) and passing (37 yards on four completions) and was responsible for the only touchdown of the night. Payton flashed his speed and elusiveness several times, a sight that NDSU fans are all too familiar with. His effort ought to have earned him more of a look this week when the Eagles take on New England.

Maximus Pulley, S – Philadelphia (Wofford)

The other Eagle that performed well was the former Wofford Terrier Maximus Pulley. Pulley, who is officially listed as a safety on Philadelphia’s current roster, showed out against the Ravens. He got in on eight stops, six of which were solo. That made him the second-most productive tackler on the Philly defense. Pulley was on the field a ton and was around the ball more often than he wasn’t. It was a strong start to his preseason and if he keeps stacking that kind of production for the next two weeks, it’s going to be difficult to cut him by the end of August.

Rashad Rochelle, WR – Seattle (Indiana State)

It’s going to be really hard for rookies at any position to find their way onto the roster in any position for the defending Super Bowl champions but ex-Indiana State pass catcher Rashad Rochelle helped his case a little on Saturday night in Seattle. The undrafted rookie did not see much action on offense but special teams was a different story. The Seahawks tried Rochelle out at both punt and kick returns and he shined in each. Rochelle racked up 92 total return yards and nearly took it the distance on a 52-yard punt runback in the third quarter. Rashid Shaheed (another former FCS guys), of course, is still going to be the main return man but if Rochelle keeps it up he might just find a place alongside him.