Few Former Badgers Spared From Last Round of NFL Roster Cuts

NFL roster cuts were handed down to over 700 hopeful athletes over the last week and like last year on the day of a big Wisconsin matchup against an SEC power, numerous former Badgers were sent on their way home after the preseason.

You’re all probably overwhelmed by the Tim Tebow coverage to see any news of Wisconsin players in the mix, but rest assured we have them covered.

Jared Abbrederis (Packers): The Packers weren’t necessarily hurting for wide receivers with Davante Adams, Randall Cobb, Ty Montgomery, Jeff Janis and Myles White. Add in strong performances from Larry Pinkard and the tight ends, it would have been difficult for Abbrederis to shine with such limited time. His ACL tear last year didn’t help and his concussion that kept him our for a Sidney Crosby-long period of time didn’t help either.

Warren Herring (Falcons): The Falcons signed Herring as an undrafted free agent in May to shore up their defensive line. He was released int he cuts down to 75.

Peter Konz (Falcons): Konz was a second-round pick in the 2012 but never developed into the leadership role he so exemplified while in Madison. After two seasons, Konz tore his ACL against Baltimore in Week 7 and then had another operation in the offseason. He was released with an injury settlement.

Both Dezmen Southward and O’Brien Schofield made Atlanta’s final 53-man roster.

Nick Toon (Saints): A high-ankle sprain in Week 2 of the preseason may be the final nail in Toon’s NFL coffin. According to Evan Woodbery of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Toon was one of three Saints players waived before the deadline and will not count against the Saints roster limit. If Toon is healthy enough to play after six weeks he will be released with an injury settlement and free to sign with any team.

Ethan Hemer (Steelers): Hemer was also left off of the 2014 Steelers roster after signing as an undrafted free agent. He was one of three defensive linemen released by the team and lasted one week longer than a former teammate.

Kenzel Doe (Steelers): Doe received opportunities to shine in the later preseason games as a kick and punt returner. It was clear from the first preseason game that he’d have to outshine former Kent State sensation Dri Archer, a difficult feat after Archer’s impressive Hall of Fame Game performance.

John Moffitt (Eagles): Lost in the Tebow haze was the comeback of John Moffitt. The 2011 third rounder spent two years away from the game after drug charges and a rehab stint before rejoining the NFL.

Ryan Groy (Patriots): New year, new team, same result for Ryan Groy. After being trimmed from the Chicago Bears last season, moved to the practice squad and then starting late in the season, Groy spent this preseason in New England after being traded for Patriots’ 2015 sixth-round pick Matthew Wells.

For the time being, the Denver Broncos are keeping Montee Ball as the team’s No. 3 back behind 2014 standout C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman. Ball hasn’t impressed since his rookie season (559 yards, 4.7 ypc, 4 TDs) and may be a viable trade option once the season starts.

Any of these guys could make the practice squads or find a spot on another team’s roster.

Groy has the best resume of anyone to find a job. Everyone could always use a 6-foot-5, 300-pound guard at some point during the season. Herring and Toon must prove they’re not hampered by injuries and can provide long-term success. Moffitt is battling public perception as well as other linemen while Doe needs to work his butt off to impress without blazing speed.

Abbrederis is an excellent route runner and a better returner than Doe. He could end up on any team struggling for depth. Konz and Hemer may have to look elsewhere to extend their professional careers.

Next: Badgers Vets Need To Step Up

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