After a couple of disappointing results the past two weeks, it feels fair to take a day or two to think about some Pullman legends now making plays on Sundays.
For years, WSU fans didn’t have many NFL options to follow. That’s no longer the case. With former Cougs on 12 different rosters—many as impact starters—there’s plenty to track each week.
Here’s a look at where they currently rank:
Honorable Mentions:
Jack Wilson (OT – Indianapolis Colts), Wesley Steiner (FB – Seattle Seahawks), Cam Lampkin (CB – LA Rams), Esa Pole (OT – NY Jets)
Excited to see how these guys develop. None have cracked their team’s lineup yet, but their futures are worth watching.
#11 – Brennan Jackson (DE – Las Vegas Raiders)
2025 Stats: 3 Tackles | Career Stats: 6 Tackles
Beloved 5th-year Coug, Jackson was drafted in the 5th round last year by the Rams. Things didn’t click in Los Angeles, but he landed quickly in Las Vegas, reuniting with former Seahawks coach Pete Carroll.
#10 – Kyle Williams (WR – New England Patriots)
2025/Career Stats: 2 Rec, 20 Yards
Drafted in the 3rd round, Williams should become one of Drake Maye’s favorite targets as he develops in New England.
#9 – Daniel Ekuale (DT – Pittsburgh Steelers)
2025 Stats: 5 Tackles | Career: 21 Starts, 96 Tackles, 6 Sacks
After starting 16 games for New England in 2024, Ekuale is buried a bit on Pittsburgh’s depth chart but has proven starter-level ability.
#8 – Jaden Hicks (S – Kansas City Chiefs)
2025 Stats: 2 Starts, 7 Tackles | Career: 3 Starts, 36 Tackles, 3 INT
Hicks is a future star, take that to the bank. I was shocked that he lasted until the 4th-round in the draft, he’s already starting games and was PFF’s No. 16 safety as a rookie.
#7 – Gardner Minshew (QB – Kansas City Chiefs)
Career: 46 Starts (17–29) | 11,950 Yards, 68 TD, 34 INT
After runs as a starter in Indy and Vegas, Minshew is now backing up Patrick Mahomes. Despite struggles in 2024, another starting shot certainly feels likely down the road.
#6 – Chau Smith-Wade (CB – Carolina Panthers)
2025 Stats: 2 Starts, 8 Tackles, 1 INT, 1 TD | Career: 6 Starts, 47 Tackles, 2 INT, 1 TD
Drafted in the 5th round, Smith-Wade has been a pleasant surprise. A pick-six against UW’s own Michael Penix Jr. last week was a highlight moment.
#5 – Abe Lucas (OT – Seattle Seahawks)
Career: 32 Starts
Lucas has developed into a solid NFL tackle. Injuries have been the only thing keeping him from locking down the right side of Seattle’s line.
#4 – Jaylen Watson (CB – Kansas City Chiefs)
2025 Stats: 2 Starts, 22 Tackles, 1 INT | Career: 17 Starts, 136 Tackles, 2 INT, 1 TD
A 7th-round gem turned starter, Watson is a 2x Super Bowl champ. Ranked PFF’s No. 13 corner through three games in 2025.
#3 – Jalen Thompson (S – Arizona Cardinals)
2025 Stats: 3 Starts, 24 Tackles | Career: 75 Starts, 507 Tackles, 9 INT
One of the most underrated safeties in football, Thompson has consistently produced for Arizona since his rookie season.
#2 – Daiyan Henley (LB – Los Angeles Chargers)
2025 Stats: 3 Starts, 22 Tackles, 2 Sacks, 1 INT | Career: 20 Starts, 185 Tackles, 3 Sacks, 2 INT
A tackling machine, Henley finished 8th in the NFL in 2024 and is now a centerpiece of the Chargers’ defense.
#1 – Frankie Luvu (LB – Washington Commanders)
2025 Stats: 3 Starts, 16 Tackles | Career: 59 Starts, 453 Tackles, 28 Sacks, 2 INT, 1 TD
The embodiment of hard work, Luvu went from a depth piece to a 2nd Team All-Pro in 2024. He’s the heartbeat of Washington’s defense.