Wake Forest Athletics
#ProDeacs: 53-Man Roster
8/31/2022 8:51:00 AM | Football
The Demon Deacons are well represented on NFL rosters heading into the season.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - The 2022 NFL season begins on Thursday, September 8, with most of the teams kicking off Sunday, September 11. There are 12 Demon Deacons currently on an NFL roster preparing to make their mark next weekend.
Defensive lineman Carlos "Boogie" Basham and the Buffalo Bills will visit John Wolford and the defending Super Bowl Champion Los Angeles Rams in the first game of the season. Basham is entering his second season with the Bills and is expected to play a huge role on the defensive line.
Basham recorded a strip sack which resulted in a touchdown in the first preseason game against the Colts.
Making the Cut
2022 NFL Draft picks Zach Tom (4th round) and Ja'Sir Taylor (6th round) are coming off productive preseasons and are looking to make an immediate impact for the Packers and Chargers respectively.
Undrafted rookie linebackers Luke Masterson and Luiji Vilain also put in excellent work during camp and the preseason to earn a spot on the final 53-man roster.
Masterson, who signed with the Raiders in May, finished second on the team in tackles with 21 during the three-game preseason. In week three of the preseason, he picked off Patriots starter Mac Jones and returned it 30 yards. Vilain, a Minnesota Viking, also recorded a week three interception. He picked off Broncos quarterback Brett Rypien following a tipped ball in the end zone. He also recovered a fumble the previous week.
Third-year receiver Greg Dortch (Cardinals) had a very impressive showing in the preseason to earn a roster spot. Dortch finished tied for first on the team in receptions (14) and second on the team in yards (166).
Earning Recognition
Safety Jesse Bates III has established himself as one of the best defensive backs in football. He helped lead his Bengals to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1988. He led the postseason with six pass deflections and two interceptions, including a pick in the big game.
The team captain has tallied over 400 tackles and 10 interceptions over the last four seasons. He has started 67 of 69 possible games for Cincinnati since entering the league as a second-round draft pick in 2018.
#ProDeacs Week One Slate (All times eastern)
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Carlos "Boogie" Basham Jr. (BUF) and John Wolford (LAR)
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Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Rams (Thursday, 8:20 p.m., NBC)
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Jesse Bates (CIN)
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Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals (Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS)
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Justin Herron (NE)
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New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins (Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS)
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Greg Dortch (ARI)
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Kansas City Chiefs at Arizona Cardinals (Sunday, 4:25 p.m., CBS)
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Luke Masterson (LV) and Ja'Sir Taylor (LAC)
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Las Vegas Raiders at San Diego Chargers (Sunday, 4:25 p.m., CBS)
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Zach Tom (GB) and Luiji Vilain (MIN)
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Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings (Sunday, 4:25 p.m., FOX)
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Justin Strnad (DEN), Essang Bassey (DEN) and Phil Haynes (SEA)
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Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks (Monday, 8:15 p.m., ESPN)
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