Photo courtesy of San Francisco 49ers
As the NFL preseason gets started, a number of former Arkansas players find themselves on NFL rosters.
In what is a 2-part series, we’ll look at where the former Razorbacks stand on their current teams. We conclude with those on defense:
Grant Morgan, LB – Jacksonville Jaguars
Grant Morgan is one of the newest former Razorbacks to enter the NFL. Morgan signed an undrafted free agent deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars in May. He made his NFL debut in the Hall of Fame Game against the Las Vegas Raiders in the second half.
Morgan recorded two tackles and a huge sack late in the fourth quarter. He is fighting for a roster spot, but the young linebacker is proving himself every day. Morgan should be a very exciting player to keep an eye on this preseason.
Montaric Brown, DB – Jacksonville Jaguars
Montaric Brown is another Jaguars defender who made his NFL debut in the Hall of Fame Game. He forced some big incompletions at the cornerback position and made solid tackles.
Brown has also stood out during training camp and has a good chance of making the 53-man roster.
Kamren Curl, S – Washington Commanders
Kam Curl has been making a name for himself in Washington since he was taken in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He became a starter last season, recording 99 tackles and breaking up five passes.
Curl is at the top of the unofficial depth chart at safety for the 2022 season.
Dre Greenlaw, LB – San Francisco 49ers
Dre Greenlaw has been with the 49ers since he was drafted in the fifth round in 2019. He immediately made an impact and has been a staple of the 49ers defense ever since.
After scoring his first defensive touchdown last season, Greenlaw suffered a groin injury that required surgery. Greenlaw has blanketed tight end George Kittle during training camp and is proving to be a very capable starter.
Deatrich Wise Jr., DE – New England Patriots
Deatrich Wise Jr. has been with the Patriots since he was drafted five years ago. He has been a staple to New England’s pass rush and recorded three sacks and four tackles for loss last season.
He has missed some of training camp for undisclosed reasons, but is not expected to lose his roster spot anytime soon.
Armon Watts, DT – Minnesota Vikings
Armon Watts is a player not talked about enough. He was drafted by Minnesota in the sixth round of the 2019 draft.
Last season, Watts saw his role on the defensive line increase, finishing with 46 tackles, five sacks — tops among Minnesota interior defenders — and two forced fumbles. He has practiced with the first-team defense throughout training camp and is working to be a full-time starter for the first time in his career.
Jonathan Marshall, DT – New York Jets
Jonathan Marshall was picked in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Jets. Last season, he recorded two tackles.
Marshall has reportedly held the edge for the starting defensive tackle role throughout this year’s training camp, despite competing with a fifth-year veteran. To be a more complete player, Marshall has worked on his technique as a pass rusher.
De’Jon Harris, LB – Washington Commanders
De’Jon Harris appeared in regular season games for the Packers in 2020, but bounced back and forth from the practice squad. He was picked up by the Washington Commanders in 2021, joining former Razorback teammate Kam Curl.
‘Scoota’ Harris played in one game against the Philadelphia Eagles. He is currently listed as the third outside linebacker on the depth chart.
McTelvin Agim, DE – Denver Broncos
Since being drafted in the third round by the Broncos in 2020, McTelvin Agim has recorded 12 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. He is currently a second-string defensive lineman on the Denver roster. Agim was recently involved in a fight during training camp, but the argument was resolved.
John Ridgeway, DT – Dallas Cowboys
“Big” John Ridgeway was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Throughout training camp, Ridgeway has impressed.
Ridgeway is also becoming a fan favorite with his custom “Vanilla Gorilla” thigh pads. He will definitely be a fun player to watch during this preseason.
Jeremiah Ledbetter, DE – Jacksonville Jaguars
Former Arkansas defensive lineman Jeremiah Ledbetter got a lot of reps for the Jaguars in the Hall of Fame Game. After spending last season on the practice squad, Ledbetter looks to make his way onto the 53-man roster. He has appeared in 20 total games since 2016.
Randy Ramsey, LB – Green Bay Packers
Randy Ramsey joined the Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2019. He saw time on special teams and defense in 2020, but broke his ankle during training camp to end his 2021 season.
Ramsey is finally healthy and is adding depth to the Packers’ edge. Expect him to see a good amount of playing time this preseason, and to contribute as a backup.
