There are 15 former Cougs active on NFL rosters as preseason week three approaches. Anything can happen, but the odds are most will find themselves playing meaningful snaps or on a practice squad come the regular season.

Some have a better chance than others at appearing on the field on Sundays, but all represent Cougar nation. Here are the Cougs to watch in the NFL this season.

Jalen Thompson – Safety, Arizona Cardinals

Thompson is entering year six with the Cardinals after signing a three-year $36 million extension in 2022 expiring in 2026. 

In 2023 he recorded 78 tackles, a sack, a career-high four interceptions and forced a fumble in 15 games. Overall, he has nine career interceptions and 385 total tackles.

Thompson is statistically one of, if not the most experienced former Coug in the NFL, and certainly one to watch. If you find yourself watching a lot of NFC West games (perhaps a Seahawks, Rams or 49ers fan?) he will be on your screen quite often. 

At just 26 years old, Thompson looks to be one of the biggest members of Arizona’s defense and one of the league’s premier safeties.

Chau Smith-Wade – Cornerback, Carolina Panthers

Fresh off being selected in the 5th round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Smith-Wade has a chance to immediately impact a Panthers team that had the league’s worst record last season. His impact has already been felt, as he has recorded six tackles in Carolina’s first two preseason games.

According to NBC NFL writer Darin Gantt, the standout collegiate boundary corner has been working inside at the nickel spot to try and earn more playing time. However, with an injury to starting outside corner Dane Jackson, Smith-Wade has adjusted back into his former role, Gantt said in his article linked above.

All this is to say that Smith-Wade, who locked down Pac-12 receivers in college and won Senior Bowl Defensive Player of the Game for his two-interception effort, may see some time against NFC South receivers soon, so keep an eye out.

Frankie Luvu – Edge Rusher, Washington Commanders

Entering year seven, Luvu has established himself as one of the league’s best edge rushers. Judging off his back-to-back 100-plus tackle seasons, it is evident, not to mention seven and 5.5 sacks each season, respectively. 

The Commanders would agree, as they inked him this offseason to a three-year, $31 million deal including $19.125 million guaranteed. 

Luvu is still only 27 years old, and improving every season having been secure in his new home for at least three years. Luvu is likely butting heads with Thompson for the position of most productive pro Coug and has a chance this season to claim that title.

Daiyan Henley – Linebacker, Los Angeles Chargers

After an injury-riddled 2023-24 season that saw little playing time for Henley, 24-25 could be his year. 

ESPN currently has Henley listed as the No. 1 inside linebacker on the Chargers’ depth chart, along with multiple reports of a strong training camp effort.

The 2023 third-round pick showed his explosiveness and leadership in his one season at WSU and already has eight tackles and a pass defended in his two preseason games so far. With a strong final effort, there could be another defensive talent emerging in the pros with ties to the Palouse.

Abraham Lucas – Offensive Tackle, Seattle Seahawks

The most local of the pro Cougs, Lucas had a solid rookie season at right tackle starting every game for the Seahawks, but saw much of last season dwindle away due to knee issues. 

Now Lucas is fighting the calendar to try and return from the same injury this year. He had knee surgery in January for the injury that forced him to miss 11 games a season ago but has yet to return to practice for Seattle.

If Lucas can return, the right tackle position is likely his to lose, but if the injury affects his play will have to be seen.

Gardner Minshew – Quarterback, Las Vegas Raiders

Minshew earned the starting job for Vegas following week two of the preseason and now brings his immaculate flair and hair to the sin city as he fends off second-year QB Aiden O’Connell. For more on Minshew, check out the Evergreen’s recent article.

Andre Dillard – Offensive Tackle, Green Bay Packers

A former first-round draft selection, Dillard has never been able to hold down the role of a starting tackle in the NFL. Still, the 28-year-old holds one of the league’s most coveted backup positions, left tackle.

Especially with a right-handed quarterback in Jordan Love to protect, Dillard has to be ready to go if his name is called. With years of experience on both the left and right side, there is more than an outside shot of seeing him on Sundays.

Fighting for playing time

The remaining pro Cougs are all similarly grouped together due to the spot they are in, which is one where they have to fight and claw either for playing time, a roster spot or both.

Wide receiver Easop Winston Jr. caught a touchdown pass in a strong week two showing with the Seahawks. He has been on their practice squad each of the last two seasons and is looking for a larger role this Fall.

Sixth-year wideout River Cracraft has three catches for 40 yards and a touchdown this preseason for the Miami Dolphins, and is coming off two consecutive seasons seeing action in at least 10 games. Cracraft is listed as questionable for week three of the preseason with an injury, however. 

Sixth-year defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale has seen action in both preseason games with the New England Patriots so far. He is coming off three straight seasons seeing action with the Patriots and has seen regular-season snaps in all five years of his career.

Another member of the Raiders, rookie edge rusher Ron Stone Jr., has seen action this preseason recording one tackle so far. As an undrafted free agent, he is likely fighting for a roster spot or a gig on the practice squad.

A pair of former rookie pro Cougs are working for positioning on the Los Angeles Rams in corner Cam Lampkin and edge rusher Brennan Jackson. Jackson does not have any preseason stats so far, but was a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft while Lapkin went undrafted, but has two tackles and a pass defended this preseason.

Last but not least is a versatile duo of Chiefs defensive backs in rookie Jaden Hicks and third-year corner Jaylon Watson. Watson is a two-time Super Bowl champ with the Chiefs who consistently figures into their DB rotation, while the fourth-round pick Hicks already has made an impact with eight tackles and a pass defended this preseason.

With an influx of talented rookies, and a touch of contract extensions and starting spots earned, there is plenty to be excited about this NFL season as a Coug fan. No matter who you follow in the NFL, pro Cougs are sure to be coming to a TV near you on Sundays.