Last week we took a look at some Red Raiders trying to make it in the NFL. Now that the preseason is over and regular season games starting in just a couple days, we know who will be on the teams, made it through the cuts and got put on the official 53 man roster. From last week's players, it was announced that Danny Amendola would start the season as the #2 receiver for the Patriots with LaFell being put on the physically unable to perform list, which means he will be ineligible for the first 6 weeks. Also, Reggie Wayne was released so Danny should have the chance to have a great year. Cody Davis had a strong preseason, and will most likely play more special teams than anything. However, a 24 yard interception return for a touchdown last week may have shown his coaches he is ready to play full-time.
For this week, we will take a look at 4 more players. First up is Bradley Marquez, who was on the cusp all preseason, and most reporters were unsure if the rams would keep him with the 53. The Rams ended up keeping 6 receivers and Marquez made the list, however just like Cody, will play mostly on special teams. This preseason he had 8 catches for 74 yards after signing as an undrafted free agent.
Manny Ramirez, who has 43 starts in the past 3 seasons with Denver, was traded to the Lions this past April. His most memorable play was not a good one, as he snapped the ball over Peyton's head, leading to a safety in the Super Bowl. He returns to the Lions, who originally drafted him in the 4th round of the 2007 draft. The Lions took a guard in the first round this past draft, but Manny is predicted to start ahead of the rookie.
Joining Ramirez on the line in Detroit is fellow Red Raider La'Adrian Waddle. Waddle spent the offseason recovering from a partially torn ACL. In late August, Waddle was activated off the PUP list, so he should see some playing time. Waddle has played in 22 games the past 2 seasons, starting in 18.
One of the most acclaimed active Red Raiders is 28 year old offensive tackle Louis Vasquez, who enters his 3rd year with Denver. He has started all 16 games for Denver the past 2 years, and the year before with San Diego. His breakout year came in 2013, during Peyton's record-breaking season, in which he didn't allow a single sack. This accomplishment earned him a selection to the 2014 Pro Bowl, and he was rated #97 in the top 100 NFL players entering the 2014 season.
One note of mention is that famous Tech receiver Wes Welker is not currently signed. After a concussion in the 2014 preseason and being suspended for violating the league's drug policy, Wes had a down season. The concussion was his 3rd in less than a year, and there have been some calling for him to hang up the cleats and retire. Time will tell if this is the last we've seen of Welker.
Week 1 Red Raiders Schedules
Danny Amendola (New England @ Pittsburgh, 7:30pm Thursday)
Cody Davis and Bradley Marquez (St. Louis vs Seattle, 12:00pm Sunday)
La'Adrian Waddle and Manny Ramirez (Detroit @ San Diego, 3:05pm Sunday)
Michael Crabtree (Oakland vs Cincinatti, 3:25pm Sunday)
Louis Vasquez (Denver vs Baltimore, 3:25pm Sunday)
