With several former Blue Devil standouts on the gridiron trying to make NFL rosters in the coming weeks, here is a look at how Duke's former players fared in week two of the preseason with teams giving starters more playing time and looking forward to the first cuts after week three:
Kenny Anunike, defensive end, Denver Broncos: Anunike had another strong game, recording half a sack, a tackle and a quarterback hit off the bench in Denver's 34-0 rout of San Francisco. The undrafted rookie has kept up his torrid pace of improvement in training camp and now has a good chance to make the team.
Juwan Thompson, running back, Denver Broncos: Thompson struggled on the ground, only gaining 10 yards on six carries, but added two catches for 19 yards. Anunike's fellow undrafted rookie has kept with his college teammate in practice, though, and his ability to pass protect earned him a good amount of repetitions with the first team in practice this week.
Ross Cockrell, cornerback, Buffalo Bills: The fourth-round draft pick had a solid outing in his second appearance with the Bills, making two tackles and deflecting a pass in the team's 19-16 victory against Pittsburgh. Cockrell appears to be getting more and more comfortable each week, and could sneak into Buffalo's regular season secondary rotation with continued improvement.
Thad Lewis, quarterback, Buffalo Bills: Lewis' abysmal summer continued Saturday night, when he went just 1-of-6 for 18 yards and an interception. Although he is still listed as the backup on the official roster, Washington State product Jeff Tuel could surpass him if his lackluster play continues. The lone bright spot for Lewis was that he was able to lead a 16-yard touchdown drive after being set up with good field position.
Conner Vernon, wide receiver, Detroit Lions: After catching a touchdown pass, but still being released by the Bengals last week, Vernon quickly found a new home when he was signed by the Lions Tuesday. Although it is unlikely that he will make the team's final 53-man roster, the ACC's all-time leader in receptions will be ready to step in if injuries occur.
Vincent Rey, linebacker, Cincinatti Bengals: Rey had another solid outing, accumulating two tackles in the Bengals' loss to the Jets Saturday. The 6-foot, 255-pound inside linebacker is essentially guaranteed a roster spot, and will likely see time in the regular season on special teams at the very least.
Sean Renfree, quarterback, Atlanta Falcons: Unlike Lewis, Renfree had a strong game in week two of the preseason in his attempt to earn the backup quarterback job. The former seventh-round draft pick completed 7-of-10 passes for 49 yards, including a 12-yard touchdown strike to Devin Hester in the second quarter.
Although his team got trounced 32-7 by Houston Saturday night, Renfree stood out as one of the few bright spots, and current backup to Matt Ryan, T.J. Yates—a North Carolina product—went just 4-of-11 with two interceptions.
Matt Daniels, safety, St. Louis Rams: Daniels is still trying to work his way back from last year's season-ending knee injury, and sat out Saturday's game against the Packers. Despite not being 100 percent, Daniels has a decent chance at surviving next week's first cuts because of his previous performance as a backup safety and special teams.
Cooper Helfet, tight end, Seattle Seahawks: Just as he did in week one, Helfet reeled in one pass, this time for 10 yards in Seattle's 41-14 mauling of the Chargers. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound tight end has been a bright spot so far for the Seahawks, but did have a costly drop Friday. Despite his error, Helfet should make the team's 53-man roster if he continues his improved route-running.
Patrick Bailey, linebacker, Tennessee Titans: After having a strong game last week, Bailey was unable to make his way into the box score this week as the Titans fell to the Saints 31-24, though he did commit a notable holding penalty that negated a good kickoff return. It appears that Bailey's battle with Moise Fokou and others for a roster spot will be mostly decided in practice in the coming weeks as the starters see more and more reps.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.