193 players throughout the NFL’s storied history have called the Little Apple home. Stars have emerged from the mid-round draft shadows, like a fourth-round pick, Darren Sproles, a three-time pro bowler and Super Bowl champ.
Others kept their college stardom through the NFL, like receivers Jordy Nelson and Tyler Lockett. Nelson, a second-round pick in 2008, spent nine of his 10-year career in Green Bay, earning second-team All-Pro honors, AP comeback player of the year and a Super Bowl title. Lockett, meanwhile, was consistently one of Seattle’s best receivers, with a Pro Bowl selection, two second-team All-Pro selections and a first-team All-Pro.
Old generations have come and gone, and now a new generation is here making a strong impact on the game today and setting the stage for future ‘Cats to succeed in the NFL.
Felix Anudike-Uzomah, DE, Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs defensive end has made his mark this season, starting all six games to start the season. With five pressures and one sack through seven games, Felix Anudike-Uzomah has helped set the edge for the Chiefs on the other side of George Karlaftis. He has also caused chaos in the backfield, totaling two tackles for loss and forcing a fumble.
Cooper Beebe, C, Dallas Cowboys
The 2024 third-rounder has been a rock in the middle of the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line. Cooper Beebe has started in all eight games this season, leading all centers in the NFL with zero penalties and zero sacks allowed. The third-year center also ranks in the top 20 in QB hits allowed and top 25 in total pressures allowed.
JuJu Brents, CB, Miami Dolphins
After battling injuries throughout his career and never playing more than nine games in a season, JuJu Brents has returned this season and made a big impact for the Dolphins. Playing in all seven games this season, Brents has been a steady corner, totaling 26 tackles, along with a pass deflection and a tackle for loss. Brents is on pace for a career year, helping Miami out in the secondary.
D.J. Reed, CB, Detroit Lions
D.J. Reed has become a seasoned vet and a cornerstone of the Lions’ secondary. The ninth-year corner leads the team in pass deflections with seven, interceptions with one and ranks third in total tackles for Detroit with 42. Reed has also tallied three tackles for loss, boosting his resume and showing his continued impact for Detroit. His work has shown, too, as Reed is currently the 10th-ranked corner in the NFL per PFF rankings.
Jacob Parrish, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Olathe native has taken his game to a completely new level in his second year. Jacob Parrish has already matched or beaten main stats from last year, when he played in all 17 games. Through seven games, Parrish has matched his rookie-year interception total with two and currently leads the NFL with 13 pass deflections. Add to the tally 36 tackles and three tackles for loss to the picks and deflections, and Parrish is playing at the highest level in the NFL, making a massive impact week after week.
Dalton Risner, G, Cincinnati Bengals
Dalton Risner arrived in Cincinnati last year and immediately impacted the offensive line. That production and impact have continued this year, as Risner has not been flagged and ranks in the top 35 of all offensive linemen in QB hits allowed and pressures allowed. The eighth-year guard also ranks 11th among all guards in pass blocking and ninth in run blocking.
Marques Sigle, S, San Francisco 49ers
Though Marques Sigle suffered a high ankle sprain in the 49ers’ Week 4 game against the Broncos, he has been a good piece in San Francisco’s secondary. The second-year safety started in all four games he has played, tallying 26 tackles, a sack and a tackle for loss. Sigle also allowed only a 28.7% completion percentage when targeted this year and was responsible for a 39.6 passer rating against.
