Two Former T-Birds Make 53-man Rosters

SUU Football

Southern Utah football has seen some success with prospects moving on to the NFL. Although none have made serious splashes, several players have found roles on NFL rosters. 

Others however, found themselves on the outside looking in on the final days of NFL cuts.

Defensive back LeShaun Sims has been a part of the Titans organization since being drafted in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Sims recorded eight total tackles in the preseason. 

Titans head coach Mike Vrabel was impressed with Sims once again, and kept Sims on the 53-man roster. Sims does not play much on defense, Vrabel has Sims behind defensive backs Logan Ryan, Adoree Jackson and Malcolm Butler on the depth chart.

Miles Killebrew has been with the Lions since 2016, and plays on special teams. Last year, Killebrew played on almost 80 percent of the Lions special teams plays. He backs up safeties Quandre Diggs and Tavon Wilson, but head coach Matt Patricia still found Killebrew important enough to keep around.

James Cowser has been a part of the Raiders organization since being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2016. Cowser recorded eight combined tackles through four preseason games. That wasn’t enough to inspire head coach Jon Gruden to keep him around. 

This is the second straight year Cowser has been cut by the Raiders. Cowser also has a job as the NFL Ambassador to China, so he should stay busy during the season.

Kicker/punter Brock Miller was signed by the Rams before the preseason to give the team’s special teams unit some time off, according to head coach Sean McVay. Over four preseason games, Miller averaged 47 yards per punt with six punts landed inside the 20 yard line. Although Miller did not make the Rams 53-man roster, he was able to work out for the Buffalo Bills, per Miller.

Marquez Tucker signed with the Bears after going undrafted in this year’s draft. Tucker had a rough road to making an NFL roster. The Bears decided to leave Tucker off of the final roster. Tucker garnered interest from several NFL teams before the draft and could find himself a new home soon.

 

Story by: Kurt Meacham
kurtleymeacham@gmail.com