#NextLevelBU: 10 Bears on NFL Opening Day rosters
When the 2016 NFL season kicks off tonight in Denver and this weekend across the country, 10 Baylor alumni will be on active rosters. Here’s who to watch for:
* Matt Bryant, BSED ’98, Atlanta Falcons (kicker) — The 15-year veteran ranks among the top 15 in NFL history in field goal percentage and is in the top 5 among active kickers in career field goals made.
* Corey Coleman, Cleveland Browns (wide receiver) — After being drafted 15th overall this spring, Coleman will open 2016 in the Browns’ starting lineup.
* Spencer Drango, BBA ’14, Cleveland Browns (offensive line) — The former Baylor left tackle has moved to the right side of the line, but is likely to see significant playing time as a rookie.
* Robert Griffin III, BA ’10, Cleveland Browns (quarterback) — After three injury-tainted seasons in Washington, the former NFL Rookie of the Year won the starting spot in Cleveland during training camp.
* Bryce Hager, BSED ’14, St. Louis Los Angeles Rams (linebacker) — As a rookie last year, the former Baylor All-American played in all 16 games for the Rams.
* Xavien Howard, Miami Dolphins (cornerback) — The 2016 second-round pick is expected to be the Dolphins’ starting cornerback in week one against the Seahawks.
* Bryce Petty, BSED ’13, MSED ’14, New York Jets (quarterback) — Even after New York drafted another QB in the second round this spring, Petty returns as the Jets’ third-string quarterback behind a pair of NFL veterans.
* Jon Weeks, BSED ’07, Houston Texans (long snapper) — Coming off his first Pro Bowl appearance, the veteran long-snapper returns for his seventh season in Houston.
* Terrance Williams, BSED ’12, Dallas Cowboys (wide receiver) — The fourth-year receiver led the Cowboys in touchdown receptions and finished second on the team in receptions last year.
* Kendall Wright, Tennessee Titans (wide receiver) — A knee injury caused Wright to miss six games last year, and a recurring hamstring injury has limited him during camp.
Sic ’em, Bears in the NFL!