As NFL training camps kick off this weekend, 24 former Oregon State football players will take the field in hopes of securing a spot on somebody’s 53-man roster.
Derek Anderson – quarterback, Arizona
No longer stuck in Cleveland, Anderson will get a fresh start in Arizona this fall. Kurt Warner retired this offseason, but Matt Leinart will enter camp as the starter. If Anderson gets a chance to start, he’ll benefit from a much stronger supporting cast than the one he had in Cleveland. But Arizona is surely hoping that Leinart, a first-round pick in 2006, will finally blossom.
Dwan Edwards – defensive end, Buffalo
Edwards started nine games for Baltimore last season, but will be suiting up in Buffalo for his seventh NFL season this fall.
Keith Ellison – linebacker, Buffalo
Ellison has played well in each of his four seasons with the Bills, but has yet to announce himself as a primetime, 16-games-a-year starter. He started 14 games in 2008, but missed half of the 2009 season with an injury.
Andy Levitre – guard, Buffalo
Levitre made the NFL All-Rookie team last season, and should be a valuable asset on the Bills’ offensive line once again this season.
Matt Moore – quarterback, Carolina
With Jake Delhomme out of the picture, the starting job is Moore’s to lose in Carolina after signing a one-year deal worth $3.043 million. Second-round draft pick Jimmy Clausen, a collegiate standout at Notre Dame, will make a push behind Moore.
Al Afalava – safety, Chicago
Of the five defensive Beavers taken in the 2008 draft, Afalava made the biggest splash as a rookie. He started 13 games for the once-feared Chicago defense, recording 53 tackles and breaking up seven passes. Getting thrown into the fire that early should pay dividends this season.
Chad Ochocinco – wide receiver, Cincinnati
The Bengals surprised everyone last year, reaching the playoffs for only the second time in 18 years. This year, Carson Palmer and company will look to bolster their position in the AFC. The addition of former All-Pro wide receiver Terrell Owens should help both Ochocinco and the Bengals.
Gerard Lawson – cornerback, Cleveland
Lawson appeared in 15 games in 2008 and five games in 2009, primarily as a special teams contributor. If he makes the 53-man roster yet again, it’ll be because of his ability to contribute on special teams.
Victor Butler – linebacker, Dallas
Butler appeared in all 16 Cowboy games as a rookie last season, and will look for an expanded role in year two.
Roy Schuening – offensive line, Detroit
Schening has been around the block in his short NFL career. He was a draft pick of the St. Louis Rams in 2008, but didn’t make the team. He was signed by the Raiders as a member of the practice squad in 2009, but was cut a few months later. This year, he’ll get his chance with the Lions.
Nick Barnett – linebacker, Green Bay
Barnett has been the anchor of the Green Bay defense for quite some time. In seven seasons, he’s started 103 games, recorded 763 tackles, 15.5 sacks, and nine interceptions. Look for more of the same this season.
Kyle DeVan – center, Indianapolis
DeVan will hope to build off of last season, where he made national headlines by going from elementary school substitute to Super Bowl starter.
Sean Canfield – quarterback, New Orleans
Canfield, a seventh-round selection, recently signed a four-year deal with the defending Super Bowl champs. He’ll likely compete against former Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel for backup duties.
Adam Koets – offensive line, New York Giants
Koets is entering his fourth season with the Giants, but has yet to prove himself as an everyday NFL offensive lineman.
Damola Adeniji – wide receiver, Oakland
After a breakout senior season, Adeniji, who went undrafted in April, will try to prove his value at the next level. He faces an uphill battle, though. He’s one of 12 Raider receivers competing for a roster spot.
Slade Norris – linebacker, Oakland
Norris, a fourth-round selection last season, was cut at the end training camp, re-signed as a member of the practice squad a few months later, then promoted to the active roster in November before being placed on injured reserve in December. As a member of the ever-changing Oakland roster, who knows what’s in store for Norris this season.
Keenan Lewis – cornerback, Pittsburgh
Lewis barely got a sniff of the NFL last season, as he recorded just one tackle for the Steelers.
Steven Jackson – running back, St. Louis
It’s hard not to feel bad for Jackson. Year after year the former Oregon State star puts up quality numbers. But year after year, it’s all for nothing in sorry St. Louis. The addition of this year’s No. 1 overall pick, quarterback Sam Bradford, could point the Rams offense in the right direction.
Brandon Hughes – cornerback, San Diego
Hughes, a fifth round pick in the 2008 draft, missed all of last season with a knee injury. He’ll enter camp this season looking to make up for lost time and prove that he’s fully recovered and worthy of a roster spot.
Keaton Kristick – linebacker, San Francisco
Kristick signed with the 49ers in April as an undrafted free agent. The undersized linebacker will fight for a roster spot this fall.
Mike Hass – wide receiver, Seattle
Hass just can’t seem to catch a break. Or get a chance. He continually wows teams in camp and in preseason games, but rarely gets the opportunity to suit up in the regular season. Time is running out for this 27-year-old, but maybe, just maybe, he will get a chance to prove himself for the less-than-impressive Seahawks this season.
TJ Houshmandzadeh – wide receiver, Seattle
Houshmandzadeh came to Seattle with high expectations last season – expectations that weren’t met. In his first season as a true No. 1 receiver, Housh struggled. Opposing defenses had no problem stopping the Seattle offense, which wasn’t exactly loaded with weapons. Maybe things will turn out better for the 32-year-old receiver in year two.
Sabby Piscitelli – safety, Tampa Bay
Piscitelli, entering his fourth season with the Bucs, will look to help anchor the Tampa Bay secondary this year. He recorded 80 tackles and two interceptions as a starting safety last season.
Sammie Stroughter – wide receiver, Tampa Bay
Stroughter turned in an impressive 2009 season, and should compete for significant time this fall. He could get a look as the team’s No. 3 receiver, and will almost certainly contribute on special teams.