Former Washington State players made multiple big plays in the NFL this past weekend. Some players you may not have known were Cougars or had not heard from in a while made notable contributions. Daniel Ekuale, Chau Smith-Wade and Brennan Jackson all had their best games of the season thus far.
WSU linebacker Daiyan Henley lunges for Arizona State running back Xazavian Valladay during an NCAA football game, Nov. 12.
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley, coming off a monster performance in week two, has become one of the leaders on the Chargers’ defense, along with Derwin James and Khalil Mack. Henley recorded four tackles and was active in the pass game. Pro Football Focus gave Henley a 76.1 grade, ranking him among the top 40 of 116 qualifying linebackers.
Chau Smith-Wade defends against a Wisconsin receiver against the then-No.19 Badgers. Sept. 9.
Carolina Panthers cornerback Chau Smith-Wade intercepted Falcons quarterback and former University of Washington player Michael Penix Jr. for a pick-six. Smith-Wade added five tackles and made plays all over the field, helping the Panthers defeat the Falcons 30-0. PFF has given Smith-Wade a grade of 58 for the season thus far.
University of Southern California wide reciever Drake London (15) catches a pass while Washington State University defensive back Jaylen Watson (0) attempts to tackle him during the second half of a college football game, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Pullman, WA.
Jaylen Watson continued his strong performance from last week. Watson was tasked with guarding star receiver Malik Nabers, holding him to two catches for 13 yards. Watson also recorded an interception in the end zone off Russell Wilson. Watson’s Cougar counterpart, Jaden Hicks, did not have his best game, finishing with one tackle. The last time Hicks had a poor game, he bounced back in a significant way. Hicks received a 41.5 PFF grade, while Watson earned a 67.4.
Brennan Jackson at midfield as the Cougs lose the coin toss, Nov. 25, in Seattle, Wash.
Brennan Jackson recorded two tackles for the Las Vegas Raiders. Jackson is still working his way up the depth chart, but played more snaps in Week 3 than he has all season, signaling potential growth for the Palouse product. No PFF grade was available.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Daniel Ekuale, in his seventh NFL season, also had his best game of the season. Ekuale recorded three tackles, surpassing his previous total of two tackles for the season. The Steelers have a deep defensive line, making snaps difficult to obtain, unless you are T.J. Watt or Cam Heyward. PFF gave Ekuale a grade of 66.7.
Cam Ward walking with the captains to oversee the coin toss during Family Weekend, Nov. 4, in Pullman, Wash.
Quarterback Cam Ward and the Tennessee Titans lost to the Indianapolis Colts by 21 points. Ward played well, aside from throwing an interception returned for a touchdown. He completed 60.5 percent of his passes for 219 yards and one touchdown. PFF gave Ward a grade of 64.
Kyle Williams falls in disbelief after Josh Kelly makes a one-handed catch for a TD, Sept. 23, in Pullman, Wash.
Receiver Kyle Williams recorded one reception for eight yards, a slight improvement from week two. Williams continues to move up the depth chart while maximizing his opportunities. He has performed better than two of the five receivers drafted after him: New York Jets’ Arian Smith and Kansas City Chiefs’ Jalen Royals.
Washington State University lineman Abraham Lucas (72) warms up before a college football game at Martin Stadium, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Pullman, Wash.
Offensive lineman Abraham Lucas has faced Nick Bosa, T.J. Watt and Cameron Jordan this season. Bosa and Watt gave him some problems, he did not have the same issues with Jorda. Lucas received a PFF grade of 59.5, a mark that continues to grow. Lucas will face the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday, a team without a standout pass rusher.
Senior and former linebacker Frankie Luvu, right, celebrates with then-redshirt senior linebacker Peyton Pelluer after Luvu sacked Boise State junior quarterback Brett Rypien during a game September 9 at Martin Stadium.
Linebacker Frankie Luvu had a difficult week two and emphasized the need for the defense to improve. In response, the Commanders held the Raiders’ run game to 63 yards on 17 attempts by Ashton Jeanty. The passing defense still faced issues, but showed improvement. Luvu recorded seven tackles, the second highest on the team behind Bobby Wagner. PFF gave Luvu a grade of 55.1.
Each week, Cougars in the NFL continue to make plays and represent the Palouse. Pro Football Focus grades are rising across the board for WSU products.
