Photo courtesy of Cincinnati Bengals
As the NFL preseason gets started, a number of former Arkansas players find themselves on NFL rosters.
In what will be a 2-part series, we’ll look at where the former Razorbacks stand on their current teams. We start with those on offense:
Hunter Henry, TE – New England Patriots
Hunter Henry is one of the most successful former Hogs in the NFL right now. He is entering his seventh season, and second year with the New England Patriots after signing a three-year, $37.5 million contract. In 2021, Henry caught 50 passes and hauled in a career-high nine touchdowns. He did so with zero drops.
Quarterback Mac Jones had a 119.6 passer rating when throwing to Henry. He will be a top target in the red zone this season, and has proved himself throughout training camp. With the nickname ‘Beast,’ Henry can out-maneuver defenders and fight for the ball with his hands.
Brandon Allen, QB – Cincinnati Bengals
Entering his third year with the Cincinnati Bengals, Brandon Allen is sitting comfortably as Joe Burrow’s backup. In 2021, Allen appeared in six games, throwing for 149 yards and two touchdowns. This offseason, Burrow suffered an appendectomy, so Allen has been taking more reps than usual in training camp.
Burrow is expected to miss the entire preseason, so fans should see a lot more of Allen. Getting more reps has allowed Allen to get more comfortable with stars like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Allen should be well prepared to help Cincinnati this season if given the opportunity.
Treylon Burks, WR – Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans drafted Treylon Burks with pick No. 18 in the 2022 NFL Draft. Titans fans started out skeptical, considering Tennessee traded away star wide receiver A.J. Brown for this draft pick and Burks entered the OTAs with conditioning and asthma issues.
Despite the early problems, Burks has proved himself in training camp and has been taking first-team reps. During “game-on-the-line” type drills, quarterback Ryan Tannehill has put his faith in Burks multiple times, and the rookie has delivered. He is expected to make some noise on the offense, starting Week 1.
Feleipe Franks, QB/TE – Atlanta Falcons
Feleipe Franks was signed by the Falcons as an undrafted free agented in 2021. He made an appearance at quarterback that ended in an interception last season. This training camp, he has been working behind center while also taking reps at the tight end position.
He has turned some heads, surprisingly proving to be a physical tight end with great hands. This could be his new role with the team in the future. Franks will definitely be one to watch throughout the preseason.
Jeremy Sprinkle, TE – Dallas Cowboys
Jeremy Sprinkle spent his first four seasons with Washington before joining the Cowboys last year. His best role is as a blocking tight end, but he can catch the ball when he needs to. Last year, he caught just three passes for 31 yards, but appeared in all 17 games.
He suffered an Achilles injury during training camp, but is back to working with the team. Sprinkle will be another one to watch this preseason as he works to carve out a role.
Frank Ragnow, C – Detroit Lions
Frank Ragnow has remained with the Detroit Lions since being drafted 20th overall in 2018. Last season, he had a toe injury that landed him on the injured reserve list and eventually required surgery.
The Pro Bowl center is now healthy for 2022. Ragnow and the Lions are featured on HBO’s Hard Knocks series this year.
Dan Skipper, T – Detroit Lions
Dan Skipper has been alongside Ragnow on the Lions offensive line, but has not seen nearly the same amount of playing time. He has only appeared in 13 games since 2017.
Skipper suffered an injury during this year’s training camp, but is back with the team and fighting for a spot on the 53-man roster.
Myron Cunningham, G – Houston Texans
Myron Cunningham signed with the Houston Texas as an undrafted free agent win 2022. He is currently third on the depth chart at left tackle.
Ty Clary, C – Green Bay Packers
Former Razorback center Ty Clary was recently signed by the Packers. He is deep on the depth chart and will have to battle for a spot on the 53-man roster.
Hjalte Froholdt, OL – Cleveland Browns
Offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt was drafted by the New England Patriots in 2019. He is now with the Cleveland Browns.
Froholdt’s ability to play center or guard should be advantageous as he tries to stick around in the NFL. He has mainly been a practice squad and special teams player thus far.
Jonathan Williams, RB – Washington Commanders
Jonathan Williams has been with seven different NFL teams since getting selected in the fifth round of the 2016 draft. He scored a touchdown for the Commanders last season.
He is currently listed as the fourth running back on Washington’s depth chart.
Cody Hollister, WR – Tennessee Titans
Cody Hollister has spent most of his four-year NFL career on practice squads and injured reserve. Now with Tennessee, he has missed some of this year’s training camp to injury.
