It’s the time of year football fans all around the country have been anticipating. The start of a brand new NFL season is upon us, which means it’s time for the first edition of Wildcats in the NFL for the 2025 season.
Dalton Risner, LG, Cincinnati Bengals
Injuries have put the Cincinnati Bengals in a pickle at the guard position. With the signing of former Viking Dalton Risner, the Bengals add much-needed depth to their offensive line. Risner began last season on injured reserve but started in the final eight games of the year.
In those eight games, Risner did not allow a sack or commit any penalties. The offensive line has been a lingering problem for the Bengals for several years, so this allows Risner an opportunity to showcase his strengths on a team with deep playoff aspirations.
Lucas Cornelius, LT, Cleveland Browns
Entering his 12th season and now on his seventh NFL team, it’s safe to say Cornelius Lucas is a seasoned veteran. The former Commander signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Cleveland Browns in March.
Cornelius started seven games with the Commanders. Of the 464 snaps he played, 318 were at left tackle and 139 at right tackle. His role in Washington was to be a rotational piece on the offensive line, and he allowed one sack while committing to that role. Cleveland looks to utilize him in the same way, as he is listed as both the backup left and right tackle.
Tyler Lockett, WR, Tennessee Titans
For the first time in his career, Tyler Lockett will not be donning the neon green and dark blue Seattle Seahawks uniform. After a successful 10-year tenure with Seattle, the veteran receiver is taking his talents to the Tennessee Titans.
Signing a one-year, $4 million contract, Lockett will be a reliable option for the first overall pick and rookie quarterback Cam Ward.
Juju Brents, CB, Miami Dolphins
Following his release from the Indianapolis Colts on Aug. 26, Juju Brents is looking for a fresh start with the Miami Dolphins. During his time in Indianapolis, the former second-round pick has played 11 games in two injury-riddled seasons.
Brents, in his two years, has shown flashes of potential, as the young cornerback has 50 total career tackles and one interception. He is the third cornerback on the depth chart.
Cooper Beebe, C, Dallas Cowboys
Going into year two, Cooper Beebe could take a bigger leap on the Cowboys’ offensive line. Beebe finished with three penalties last year, which totaled 24 yards. Pro Football Focus (PFF) gave him a pass-blocking grade of 60.3, which ranked 43rd among 60 other centers.
With one year under his belt, that pass-blocking grade may see improvement. The average age of the Cowboys’ offensive line is 24.2, meaning growing pains are possible, but the potential is undeniable.
Skylar Thompson, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Appearing in three games for the Miami Dolphins last season, Thompson now resides in Steel City after signing a one-year, $1.1 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Thompson played in three preseason games for the Steelers. His standout performance came in week one against the Jacksonville Jaguars, as Thompson threw for 233 yards and three touchdowns. Although he’s not the starter in Pittsburgh, Thompson is a serviceable backup if injuries affect the quarterback room.
D.J. Reed, CB, Detroit Lions
Last season, the New York Jets’ D.J. Reed was one of the league’s most consistent cornerbacks. In 14 games, Reed put up 52 solo tackles, 12 assists and one sack.
Reed signed with the Detroit Lions, a notable contender in the NFC conference. Reed will attempt to bring the consistency shown in New York to a solid Lions secondary that’s hungry for a Super Bowl. Reed signed a three-year $48 million contract.
Josh Hayes, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Josh Hayes is back in Tampa Bay after recording 35 combined tackles and one fumble recovery last season. Hayes has been known for his plays on special teams. In 2023, the former Wildcat led the NFL in special teams tackles.
Hayes is the third cornerback on the depth chart, behind fellow former Wildcat Jacob Parrish. This will be Hayes’ third year with the Buccaneers.
Jacob Parrish, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Staying in Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers drafted another K-State cornerback in this year’s draft, selecting Jacob Parrish in the third round. In the preseason, Parrish recorded 4 solo tackles and 3 pass deflections.
The rookie is listed as the second-string cornerback on the Buccaneers depth chart, which means he will be involved in this Buccaneers secondary.
Ben Sinnott, TE, Washington Commanders
Going into year two, Ben Sinnott still finds himself as the tight end backup behind Zac Ertz. Sinnott is a part of an up-and-coming Commanders team that was a game away from the Super Bowl last season.
Sinnott’s contributions last season were five receptions, 28 yards and a touchdown. Luckily for Sinnott, he gets to learn behind a seasoned tight end like Ertz for a second year. As a result, this season may see Sinnott in a more significant role in the Commanders’ offense.
DJ Giddens, RB, Indianapolis Colts
Drafted in the fifth round, DJ Giddens is joining a team with its starting running back already set in stone. Giddens is the third-string running back on the depth chart.
In the three preseason games he played in, Giddens had 18 carries, 67 yards, averaging 3.7 yards per carry. It’s uncertain if Giddens will get much playing time, but still a notable Wildcat to watch out for this season.
Felix Anudike-Uzomah, DE, Kansas City Chiefs
In a preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks, Anudike-Uzomah suffered a hamstring injury that ended his 2025 season before it could begin. Anudike-Uzomah was going into his third year, following a 2024 season that saw him total 27 combined tackles, six tackles for loss and a forced fumble.
