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Biggest NFL Practice Squad Steals Of 2015

By Erik Lambert

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Sep 3, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Rajion Neal (34) rushes with the football as New Orleans Saints safety Pierre Warren (42) tries to make the tackle during the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

They may not get the press like the main rosters do in the NFL, but the practice squad still hold plenty of importance to team success.  Which franchises quietly came away with a gem or two stashed away for later?

Miami Dolphins:  Rajion Neal (RB)

Productive running back at Tennessee, he was thrown into a steep competition with the Green Bay Packers and never really had a chance to climb up the depth chart.  He averaged 4.1 yards per carry for the preseason and also posted 11 catches for 86 yards and a touchdown.  He’s a 23-year old kid with serious upside.  All he requires is somebody to give him an opportunity.

Chicago Bears:  Jalen Saunders (WR)

After a highly productive career at Oklahoma, Jalen Saunders looked like the next versatile offensive weapon to hit the NFL given his mix of speed, quickness and sneaky strength.  Yet for whatever reason the kid can’t seem to stick on a roster.  The Chicago Bears mark his sixth team in two years.  Perhaps what makes them different is they’re in the midst of rebuilding mode, which may afford them to be more patient with him.

Atlanta Falcons:  Marcel Jensen (TE)

Since the departure of Tony Gonzalez the Atlanta Falcons have been searching for some sort of answer at tight end to help their passing game.  Thus far their efforts haven’t yielded anything.  That is why it’s important to keep an eye on Marcel Jensen.  Though he came out of Fresno State with limited numbers, scouts saw serious potential as a pass catcher given his size and athleticism.  Jacksonville never game him a shot given their crowded dpeth chart.  Atlanta has no such problem.

Pittsburgh Steelers:  Barrett Jones (C)

The loss of Maurkice Pouncey was a real gut punch for the Pittsburgh Steelers, compelling them to find help at center.  They succeeded in a big way.  Barrett Jones was an All-American at Alabama who won two national titles.  He’s smart and stout in the middle as a pass protector.  Signs indicate he’s finally over the injury issues that marked his time in St. Louis.

Cleveland Browns:  Hayes Pullard (LB)

Infusing some youth into their linebacker corps was one of the objectives for the Cleveland Browns this off-season.  They succeeded with Nate Orchard on the outside but felt their depth was strong enough to allow Hayes Pullard, their 7th round pick to hit free agency.  This despite a solid preseason where he got progressively better each game.  He still needs to get some things in his game fixed but the kid can play.

Buffalo Bills:  Jaylen Watkins (CB)

Chip Kelly has a fleeting interest with players since they don’t seem to stick on his roster for very long.  Jaylen Watkins was only the latest to find that out.  The former Florida defensive back was undone by a series of additions to the Eagles secondary this off-season but he’s still a talented young man who is at his best in coverage.  He only allowed 10 receptions while being targeted 21 times and had an interception.  Buffalo may have gotten themselves a gem if they can help him improve his tackling.

Minnesota Vikings:  Anthony Harris (S)

A young safety from Virginia Tech who surprisingly went undrafted, ended up signing with the Minnesota Vikings.  Like others on this list, he ran into a position group that was already pretty crowded.  Still, the Vikings were able to slip him onto their squad in spite of teams around the league needing safety help.  He showed himself to be a physical presence who is good against the run, making him an ideal choice for the strong safety spot while also showcasing some pass rush ability.

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