How did pro Cougars do in Week One of the NFL season?
WSU graduate and No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, Cam Ward had the highest expectations coming into week one. Ward had 112 passing yards on 12-of-28 passing, pro football focus measures a player’s game and how well they played due to opportunities and mishaps.
Cam Ward warming up during a media timeout, Ward finished with 317 yards and three TDs, Nov. 25, in Seattle, Wash.
Ward was given a 69.1 grade. This stat line may make you think Ward did not perform to the level he can. You would be wrong to think this, as his receivers dropped many open passes, including some where Ward threaded the needle. Unfortunately, when you are the first overall pick, you are normally drafted to the worst team, and it showed how much help they need in yesterday’s 20-12 loss to the Denver Broncos.
Seattle Seahawk and former Cougar Abraham Lucas was given a three-year, $46 million contract last week. In week one, Lucas faced a difficult matchup against all-pro defensive end Nick Bosa of the San Francisco 49ers.
Lucas fared well against Bosa until the last play of the game. The Seahawks were moving down the field to take the lead with under two minutes left when Bosa bull-rushed Lucas. At the same time, quarterback Sam Darnold was about to throw and lost the ball when Bosa pushed Lucas back into him, causing a fumble that Bosa recovered. Lucas was given a 54.4 PFF grade, ranking No. 28 out of 36 eligible offensive tackles.
Kyle Williams, who was the Cougars’ best receiver the past few seasons, caught one pass for 12 yards against the Raiders. He was in for five plays, as the New England Patriots have a lot of weapons. Williams did not register enough snaps for a PFF grade, but he did catch his one target. Hopefully, that earns him more playing time and targets.
Kyle Williams celebrates to his sideline after scoring an early TD, Sept. 23, in Pullman, Wash.
Jaden Hicks and Jaylen Watson are both on the Kansas City Chiefs, and are both starters. Hicks registered a 29.7 PFF grade but had a 68.6 run defense grade. Watson had a 49.5 PFF grade with six tackles and allowed three catches. Hicks had six tackles and four receptions allowed. Both have been with the Chiefs for a couple of seasons and have been reliable for them.
Daiyan Henley was arguably the best Cougar this past weekend. Henley, a linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers, had a PFF grade of 68.7 as well as four tackles, one sack and three assisted tackles. Every season, Henley has improved with the Chargers, and he is poised to have a good season.
If Henley was not the best Cougar this weekend, then Frankie Luvu was. Luvu plays linebacker for the Washington Commanders alongside Seahawks legend Bobby Wagner. Luvu put up 10 total tackles. PFF does not have a grade up yet, but based on his stats, it will range between 65% and 71%. Luvu was selected to the Associated Press second-team all-pro after his great 2024 season.
