ProHogs Ready As NFL Training Camps Start Up

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – As fall practices begin across the country in college football over the next few days, so do NFL training camps. As of Saturday, all 32 teams have reported, as the Los Angeles Chargers and Seattle Seahawks were the final two.

Across the league, training camp rosters feature 33 former Razorbacks, a good assortment of seasoned veterans and newcomers, who are looking to open some eyes and earn a spot on a 53-man roster. The list includes 23 that played under the direction of Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema.

Super Bowl LI Champion

The New England Patriots and the Dallas Cowboys each have the most former Razorbacks on their training camp roster with four. The most notable would be defensive end Trey Flowers for the Patriots. The fourth round draft pick played in all 16 games last season, earning the starting job after playing as a key reserve to start the year. He was a critical piece in last year’s comeback win over Atlanta in Super Bowl LI, helping the Patriots hold the Falcons to just seven points in the second half and overtime. Flowers, who led the Patriots in 2016 in sacks with seven, had a game-high 2.5 sacks in the biggest game of his career, including the most impactful one late in the fourth quarter that forced Atlanta to punt, giving the Patriots their chance to score and force overtime. He also led the team in tackles during the championship with six and recorded five quarterback hurries.

Joining Flowers this summer at the Patriots camp are rookies Brooks Ellis, Cody Hollister and Deatrich Wise, Jr. A former teammate along the defensive line with Flowers, Wise looks to join one of his ‘mentors’, who played together for two years in Fayetteville.

Building On A Strong Rookie Campaign

Entering his second year with the Chargers, tight end Hunter Henry looks to continue his success as San Diego makes a move to Los Angeles. Finishing his rookie season with 36 receptions for 478 yards and eight touchdowns, Henry tied for the NFL lead for touchdown receptions among tight ends, the ninth most overall.

Williams Ready To Prove Himself

Second year running back, Jonathan Williams looks to make his case as the number two back behind LeSean McCoy. The job appears to be his to lose, after the New England Patriots picked up restricted free agent picked up Mike Gillislee in April. Williams, playing behind McCoy and Gillislee, carried the ball 27 times for 94 yards in his rookie season.