Red Raiders in the Pros - Week 17

Jace Amaro - TE (Tennessee Titans)

After a successful rookie year with the Jets in 2014, Amaro had shoulder surgery in 2015 and missed the whole season. New York cut him this past September and he was picked up by Tennessee. Jace only played in 3 games this year, recording catches in just 1 game, in which he had 3 for 59 yards. He is still listed in their depth chart as the 4th tight end, however the Titans just signed another TE from their practice squad. If Jace can get the opportunity to replicate his rookie season, when he had 345 yards and 2 scores on 38 receptions, he can become a threat for another team if Tennessee releases him before next year.

Danny Amendola - WR (New England Patriots)

Danny was held out of the Patriots final game against Miami with what is being reported as an ankle issue. He played in 12 games this year, with 23 receptions on 29 targets for 243 yards and 4 scores. He also returned 18 punts for 121 yards and 5 kickoffs for 129 yards (including a 73 yarder against Buffalo). In 8 seasons with the Rams and Pats, Danny has 3,450 yards receiving with 17 touchdowns.

LeRaven Clark - OL (Indianapolis Colts)

Clark was picked by the Colts in the 3rd round of the past draft, but during events leading up to the season, was seen by many as someone who needed help getting up to the caliber of play expected for a lineman. Then all of a sudden it was announced Clark was getting a start against Minnesota, a team with a great pass rush. The Colts had issues protecting QB Andrew Luck and LeRaven was given an opportunity to shine, which he did. The line performed well and Clark showed the coaches he may be able to be a big part of their future.

Michael Crabtree - WR (Oakland Raiders)

One of the highest profile Red Raiders to make it to the NFL, Crabtree was looking to have a good season in his 2nd year in Oakland, especially after signing an extension this past offseason. Crabtree shone all year, just eclipsing the 1,000 yard mark for the 2nd time in his career. He had 89 receptions on 145 targets for 1,003 yards and 8 scores. The 8 touch downs were good for 9th in the NFL this year. Along with Amari Cooper, the Raiders have a potentially lethal duo at receiver.

Cody Davis - S (Los Angeles Rams)

Cody played 15 games for the Rams this year, mainly on special teams and backup safety. He finished the year with 14 combined tackles and one interception on a less than stellar Rams squad.

Jakeem Grant - WR (Miami Dolphins)

Jakeem entered the league with a lot of buzz from Red Raider fans for his speed and athletic ability, but was used almost exclusively as a return man. He played in all 16 games but had just 1 rushing and 0 receiving yards. He did return 20 punts for 165 yards and a score as well as 19 kickoffs for 439 yards.

Kerry Hyder - DE (Detroit Lions)

Kerry was the biggest breakout Red Raider this year, going from a hopeful depth defensive end to challenging Von Miller for the league wide sack lead at one point in the season. Kerry finished with 36 combined tackles and 8 sacks.

Branden Jackson - DE (Oakland Raiders)

Brandedn made the Raiders practice squad out of camp and was signed to the active roster in early December. He played in 3 games recording 1 tackle.

Bradley Marquez - WR (Los Angeles Rams)

Marquez played in 14 games this year, with just 3 receptions for 37 yards. However all 3 receptions resulted in a first down He played alongside fellow Red Raider Cody Davis on the Rams special teams squad, recording 5 tackles.

La’Adrian Waddle - OL (New England Patriots)

After using 39 different offensive line combinations last season, the Patriots wanted to shore up their offensive line, signing Waddle late last season. He didn’t get much play timethis year but Tom Brady said that “he’s been ready to go, just hadn’t gotten the opportunity”.

DeAndre Washington - RB (Oakland Raiders)

The Raiders high profile passing attack overshadowed what was, at times, a strong 3-headed rushing attack. Oakland would ride the hot hand, and most of the year it was Latavius Murray. However, when Washington got the opportunity, he made the most of it, never more apparent than in the game against Indianapolis. DeAndre had 12 rushes for 99 yards and 2 scores that game and another 43 yards in the regular season finale against Denver as Oakland tries to find a quarterback that can stay healthy and complete passes. Washington finished his first season with 467 yards rushing and 115 receiving.

Playoff Watch

7 Red Raiders will continue playing as their teams try and make it to Houston in February.

• Crabtree, Washington, and Jackson as the Raiders take on the Texans on Saturday at 3:35pm on ABC
• Hyder as the Lions visit the Seahawks on Saturday at 7:15pm on NBC
• Grant when the Dolphins play at the Steelers on Sunday at 12:05pm on CBS
• Amendola and Waddle will be in action in an AFC divisional game on Saturday January 14th at 7:15pm on CBS.