Former ASU players in the NFL
D.J. Smith, a rookie linebacker with the Green Bay Packers, is expected to make his NFL debut tonight when the Packers play host to the New Orleans Saints in this season’s opening game.
Smith and guard Daniel Kilgore, a rookie with the San Francisco 49ers, are the latest among former Appalachian State players on NFL rosters.
Other former ASU players who will begin the season with an NFL team are Armanti Edwards of the Carolina Panthers; Jason Hunter of the Denver Broncos and Corey Lynch of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Four former ASU players didn’t make it. Safety Mark Legree, a fifth-round draft pick by the Seattle Seahawks; Marques Murrell, a veteran defensive end with the New England Patriots; Matt Dodge, a punter with the New York Giants; and Jabari Fletcher, a rookie free agent with the Cleveland Browns, all were released during preseason camp.
Former ASU players on NFL rosters:
Armanti Edwards, WR, Carolina Panthers – Edwards will enter his second season in a much better situation, after seldom being used last season. He is a second-team receiver for the Panthers and will return punts. Edwards caught six passes for 76 yards and returned six punts for an average of 10.5 yards in four preseason games.
Jason Hunter, DE, Denver Broncos – Hunter, entering his sixth season in the NFL, is listed as second team at left defensive end. He totaled 10 sacks over the last three seasons for the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions and the Broncos. He had a career-best 61 tackles for the Broncos last season.
Daniel Kilgore, G, San Francisco 49ers – Kilgore, a fifth-round draft pick, is a second-team guard for the 49ers. He could make his debut on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.
Corey Lynch, S, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Lynch, entering his fourth season, is the Buccaneers’ second-team strong safety. He totaled a career-high 32 tackles last season for the Bucs and had one interception.
D.J. Smith, LB, Green Bay Packers – Smith tied for the team lead with 19 tackles in the preseason. He had 11 solo tackles, eight assists and chalked up 1.5 sacks. Smith is listed as second-team right inside linebacker.