Update: Duke in the NFL, Preseason Week Three

Eight former Blue Devils played on Thursday, with five slated for Saturday action

The Daniel Jones Experience continues for another week. After he and the Giants were excoriated following his selection with the sixth overall pick in the draft, he continued to burn up the preseason, going 9-for-11 for 141 yards in Thursday’s loss to the Bengals.

For the preseason, Jones (pictured above, courtesy ACC) is 25-for-30 for 369 yards, 2 TD and no interceptions.

Quarterback controversy? The New York Post compared him to Jets second-year starter Sam Darnold and said Jones is ready to play now.

Trouble for Shaun Wilson? The former Duke RB and second-year pro got the DNP in Washington’s third preseason game. He impressed returning punts the previous week but was carted off the field after suffering an injury that it looks like might end up costing him a roster spot. 

Former Duke corner Ross Cockrell got in for 38 snaps on defense and another eight on special teams in the Carolina Panthers’ loss to New England. Cockrell, trying to win a safety job, entered the game in the second quarter and made two tackles. Cockrell is projected to be the 147 best DB in the NFL this year, according to a fantasy draft projection system at Scout, which doesn’t sound promising for his making the Panthers.

Matt Skura started at center for the Ravens. Last season’s starting center hasn’t generated much faith in Ravens fans following an up-and-down year, but he doesn’t appear to be facing a challenge for the job. He picked up a holding penalty that wiped out a 13-yard run in Baltimore’s win over Philadelphia. 

Lucas Patrick started at center for the Green Bay Packers and helped his chances of making the roster as the backup at that position, according to USA Today. He played 57 snaps on offense but got flagged for holding on the second series of the game. 

Just signed by the Dolphins, rookie T.J. Rahming got in on six snaps on offense without getting targeted. The wide receiver also fielded three punts, fair catching one, returning a second for two yards and having a six yard return wiped out by a holding penalty on a teammate.

Joe Giles-Harris (courtesy ACC)

Across the field from Rahming was another Duke rookie—linebacker Joe Giles-Harris. The Jacksonville Jaguar was in for 32 snaps on defense and 13 special teams plays. He had three tackles, all assisted, and picked up a holding penalty on the second punt return of the game. Giles-Harris continues his quest to make the team as an undrafted free agent. He earned praise from coach Doug Marrone after last week’s game against the Eagles.

Also on the Jacksonville defense was defensive back Breon Borders, who matched Giles-Harris’ 32 defensive snaps and 13 special teams snaps. He was targeted once, in the third quarter, and made a solo tackle on the play. Borders, trying to make the team as the fifth corner, also was singled out by Marrone last week.

Five former Blue Devils will play their Week Three preseason games on Saturday: Jets receiver Jamison Crowder and snapper Thomas Hennessy, 49ers tight end Daniel Helm and guard Laken Tomlinson and Rams receiver Johnathan Lloyd.

The Washington Post mentioned Crowder as a late-round receiver steal for fantasy football owners. 

Lloyd appears to have fallen behind Mike Thomas in the battle for the Rams final roster spot at receiver.