With several former Wolfpack football players attempting to carve out a career for themselves in the NFL, here’s an update of the status of some recent Pack players who look to fulfill their dreams as a professional athlete.

David Amerson, Cornerback

After leading the league with 25 passes defended last season for the Oakland Raiders, David Amerson received a much deserved raise this offseason. His new contract with Oakland is roughly $33 million with $18 million of that guaranteed. He’s a returning starter so he won’t see much action this preseason. With the new additions of perennial Pro Bowl cornerback Sean Smith and first round pick Karl Joseph, the Raiders look to have bolstered Amerson’s supporting cast in the secondary.

Jacoby Brissett, Quarterback

Last year’s NC State Team MVP and New England Patriots third round draft pick, Jacoby Brissett, is slated to be the backup to Jimmy Garoppolo as Tom Brady serves his four-game suspension. He’s seen plenty of work leading the second unit offense for the Pats. So far Brissett has not disappointed. This preseason he’s gone 16-26 with 150 passing yards and he’s ran the ball three times netting 24 rushing yards.

Benson Browne, Tight End

Despite not hearing his name called on draft night, Benson Browne landed a rookie free-agent contract with the Los Angeles Rams. With the incumbent starter Lance Kendricks returning combined with drafting two tight ends, Browne seems to be in a battle to make the practice squad. Nonetheless, as we’ve seen with cases like J. R. Sweezy, sometimes the hardest route is the one that pays off.

Juston Burris, Cornerback

The Raleigh native, Juston Burris, was picked in the fourth round of the draft by the New York Jets. Conner Hughes from nj.com raves about his performance saying, “The fact Burris, who picked off three passes in three years at NC State, is in a position to make all of these plays is a huge plus. He is in perfect coverage.” While the Jets’ defensive backfield having four players who started at least eight games may make cracking the starting rotation a difficult task, the Jets are excited by the promise he’s showing.

Rob Crisp, Offensive Tackle

Last year saw Rob Crisp go undrafted and get picked up by the Arizona Cardinals. He saw action in all four preseason games last year before being cut and signed to the practice squad. This year he seems to, once again, be on the bubble for making the roster. Even if he doesn’t stick with the Cardinals, the versatility he has as an athlete capable of playing both left and right tackle should have several teams calling for his services.

Dontae Johnson, Cornerback

Before the end of his era, Jim Harbaugh went for a bit of a gamble by drafting Dontae Johnson in the fourth round. He was a high-character guy with good speed and a great frame but seemed to lack playmaking ability on tape. The fact that he didn’t have a single interception during his college career furthered this thought. However, he has flourished in the NFL, starting three games in each of his first two seasons. He looks to be the starting cornerback in their nickel package at worst.

T. Y. McGill, Defensive Tackle

The interior defensive lineman T.Y. McGill went undrafted but was signed as a free agent by the Seattle Seahawks. He was waived a few weeks later but quickly picked up by the Indianapolis Colts before the season started. He made the most of the action he saw as a backup last, netting 11 tackles and three sacks. With injuries and suspensions looming over the Colts defensive front, he will certainly see a larger role and probably be the starter come day one.

Mike Rose, Defensive End

Last year’s Defensive MVP Mike Rose went undrafted after an 11-sack season. However, he signed a free-agent contract with the Giants. He’s seen action in both of the Giants preseason games recording one tackle against Buffalo. Rose is another player who seems to be on the bubble for making the final roster going into the season.

Joe Thuney, Offensive Lineman

The Swiss army knife of offensive line play, Joe Thuney is joining Brissett after getting drafted by the New England Patriots in the third round as well. Pro Football Focus listed Joe Thuney as the top graded rookie guard after the first two preseason games. Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald said that Thuney is, “the best left guard on the roster.” He may be the starter on the Pats opening day.