Though they only wear garnet and gold on Saturday, there are a number of Florida State fan favorites that now play their football on Sunday…in the National Football League.
The NFL’s preseason is underway, which features a number of former FSU players. Some are trying to fine-tune their skills to take the next step while others are just trying to make a 53-man roster.
With the regular season quickly approaching, we project which former FSU players will perform best for the major statistical categories:
Passing Yards: Jameis Winston, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Other Candidates: None
The only former Florida State quarterback who is currently a starter in the NFL, Jameis Winston has had no problem putting up big numbers. The No. 1 overall pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2015, Winston is the only player in NFL history to eclipse 4,000 yards passing in each of his first two NFL seasons. With a beefed up supporting cast, Winston could be in for an even bigger season in 2017.
Rushing Yards: Devonta Freeman, RB, Atlanta Falcons
Other Candidates: Dalvin Cook
The NFL’s highest paid running back, Devonta Freeman looks to build on a consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons and help the Atlanta Falcons get back to the Super Bowl. Freeman could see some resistance from Minnesota Vikings’ rookie Dalvin Cook, who is a traditional workhorse. Freeman’s biggest strength is his versatility.
Receiving Yards: Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Carolina Panthers
Other Candidates: Rashad Greene, Anquan Boldin
After a drop-off in 2016 and listening to reports about his weight, Kelvin Benjamin looked like himself on Wednesday in the Panthers’ 27-17 win over the Houston Texans, catching two passes for 40 yards and a touchdown. Benjamin eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark receiving as a rookie and should put up numbers similar to that in 2017.
Tackles: Telvin Smith, LB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Other Candidates: Lawrence Timmons, Nigel Bradham, Vince Williams
An unheralded fifth-round pick, Telvin Smith has been a tackling machine for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Smith has recorded at least 100 combined tackles in each of his first three seasons in the league and ranked in the top 15 in the NFL in that category last season.
Sacks: Timmy Jernigan, DT, Philadelphia Eagles
Other Candidates: Mario Edwards, Jr., DeMarcus Walker, Vince Williams, Christian Jones, Lawrence Timmons, Eddie Goldman
After a career-year with the Baltimore Ravens in 2016, Timmy Jernigan heads to a Philadelphia Eagles’ defense that recorded 34 sacks a season ago. Jernigan should provide a force in the middle of the Eagles’ defensive front.
Interceptions: Xavier Rhodes, CB, Minnesota Vikings
Other Candidates: Jalen Ramsey, Ronald Darby, Javien Elliott
The NFL’s highest paid cornerback, Xavier Rhodes probably won’t be thrown at that often this season, but he tends to make the most of his opportunities. Last season, Rhodes was tied for fifth in the NFL with five interceptions. In a division that includes Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford, there will be many passes thrown this season.
Field Goal Percentage: Roberto Aguayo, K, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Other Candidates: Graham Gano, Dustin Hopkins, Sebastian Janikowski
After a disappointing rookie year, there is no reason to believe that Roberto Aguayo can’t be the kicker he was in college. Aguayo has a big leg and is extremely accurate, despite his 22-for-31 rookie campaign.
Punting Average: N/A
There are currently no punters in the NFL who attended Florida State.
Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson
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