Photo by: Jim Dedmon/USA Today Sports
#FromStatetoSundays: Week 15 Update
December 17, 2019 | Football
STARKVILLE – No fewer than eight former Mississippi State players on NFL active rosters will reach the postseason this year after the Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints and Seattle Seahawks all clinched playoff berths in Week 15.
Seahawks linebacker K.J. Wright picked off two passes in a 30-24 victory at Carolina on Sunday. Not only was it Wright's first career multi-interception game, but he has now surpassed his previous career interceptions total (2) with three picks this season. He now ranks 18th in the NFL in interceptions and 12th in total tackles (113).
Chris Jones and the Chiefs clinched the AFC West title with a 23-3 win against Denver. Jones was Kansas City's top-graded defensive player with a 90.2 overall grade according to Pro Football Focus thanks to a team-high 81.3 run defense grade and an 80.6 pass rush grade that ranked second on the squad.
The Packers defeated the rival Chicago Bears, 21-13, on Sunday to secure their playoff position. Hunter Bradley, Elgton Jenkins, Will Redmond and Preston Smith remain on the active roster. Smith continues to be a disruptive force on the defense, recording four hurries and five total tackles in Sunday's contest. Jenkins was the fourth-highest rated offensive player on the team and allowed just one pressure while playing all 59 offensive snaps.
J.T. Gray, who leads the NFL in special teams grade according to PFF, will reach the postseason with the Saints. New Orleans secured its berth with a 34-7 home victory against the Indianapolis Colts. In the same game, Denico Autry was Indianapolis' second-highest graded defender.
Below is a list of former Mississippi State student-athletes who are currently with NFL teams. Please use the link to view season and career statistics from NFL.com.
JOHNATHAN ABRAM (IR) | OAKLAND RAIDERS – S | AT MSU: 2017-18
Season: 1 G, 1 GS, 1 TKL, 4 AST, 5 TT, 1 PD
Last Week: DNP vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (L,16-20)
DENICO AUTRY | INDIANAPOLIS COLTS – DT/DE | AT MSU: 2012-13
Season: 13 G, 13 GS, 20 TKL, 12 AST, 32 TT, 3.5 SK, 4.0 TFL, 11 QBH, 4, PD, 1 FF
Last Week: 1 GS, 1 TKL, 1 TT, 1 TFL at New Orleans Saints (L, 7-34)
Season: 14 G, 1 AST, 1 TT
Last Week: 1 G, 1 AST, 1 TT vs. Chicago Bears (W, 21-13)
Season: 11 G, 1 GS, 2 Rec, 21 YDS, 16 LONG, 2 TKL, 2 AST, 4 TT
Last Week: 1 G at Kansas City Chiefs (L, 3-23)
RICHIE BROWN (IR) | ATLANTA FALCONS – LB | AT MSU: 2012-16
Season: Injured Reserve
Last Week: DNP at San Francisco 49ers (W, 29-22)
DEION CALHOUN | MIAMI DOLPHINS – OG | AT MSU: 2014-18
Season: 7 G, 4 GS, 13 Pressures Allowed, 1 SK Allowed
Last Week: 1 GS, 0 Pressures Allowed at New York Giants (L, 20-36)
TAVEZE CALHOUN (IR) | ATLANTA FALCONS – CB | AT MSU: 2011-15
Season: Injured Reserve
Last Week: DNP at San Francisco 49ers (W, 29-22)
LOGAN COOKE | JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS – P | AT MSU: 2014-17
Season: 13 G, 68 Punts, 3,135 Yds, 46.1 AVG, LONG 66, 23 In-20
Last Week: 1 G, 5 Punts, 248 Yds, 49.6 AVG, LONG 66, 2 In-20 at Oakland Raiders (W, 20-16)
Season: 14 G, 14 GS, 23 TKL, 14 AST, 37 TT, 5.0 TFL, 8 QBH, 2 PD, 3.0 SK, 2 FF, 2 PD
Last Week: 1 GS, 2 TKL, 2 AST, 4 TT at Washington Redskins (W, 37-27)
Season: 13 G, 10 TKL, 3 AST, 13 TT, 1 BL, 1 FR
Last Week: 1 G, 1 AST, 1 TT vs. Indianapolis Colts (W, 34-7)
Season: Practice Squad
Last Week: DNP at New Orleans Saints (L, 7-34
BRAXTON HOYETT (PS) | KANSAS CITY CHIEFS – DT | AT MSU: 2014-18
Season: Practice Squad
Last Week: DNP vs. Denver Broncos (W, 23-3)
Season: 9 G, 9 GS, 62.3 Offensive Grade, 72.8 Pass Block Grade, 13 Pressures Allowed
Last Week: 1 GS, 64.0 Offensive Grade, 74.0 Pass Block Grade, 2 Pressures Allowed vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (L, 16-20)
ELGTON JENKINS | GREEN BAY PACKERS – OG | AT MSU: 2014-18
Season: 14 G, 12 GS, 67.2 Offensive Grade, 77.4 Pass Block Grade, 15 Pressures Allowed
Last Week: 1 GS, 79.5 Offensive Grade, 67.1 Pass Block Grade, 79.5 Run Block Grade, 1 Pressure Allowed vs. Chicago Bears (W, 21-13)
Season: Injured Reserve
Last Week: DNP at Carolina Panthers (W, 30-24)
MALCOLM JOHNSON (IR) | GREEN BAY PACKERS – FB | AT MSU: 2010-14
Season: Injured Reserve
Last Week: DNP vs. Chicago Bears (W, 21-13)
Season: 11 G, 10 GS, 19 TKL, 12 AST, 31 TT, 7.0 SK, 6.0 TFL, 17 QBH, 4 PD, 1 FR, 1 FF
Last Week: 1 GS, 1 TKL, 1 TT, 3 QH vs. Denver Broncos (W, 23-3)
Season: 12 G, 4 TKL, 3 AST, 7 TT, 2 QH, 1 PD, 1 BL
Last Week: 1 G, 1 AST, 1 TT vs. Seattle Seahawks (L, 24-30)
BENARDRICK MCKINNEY | HOUSTON TEXANS – LB | AT MSU: 2011-14
Season: 14 G, 14 GS, 54 TKL, 48 AST, 102 TT, 1.0 SK, 4.0 TKL, 4 QBH, 3 PD, 1 FF, 2 FR
Last Week: 1 GS, 5 TKL, 4 AST, 9 TT, 0.5 SK, 1 QBH at Tennessee Titans (L, 24-21)
Season: Injured Reserve
Last Week: DNP vs. Miami Dolphins (W, 36-20)
PERNELL MCPHEE (IR) | BALTIMORE RAVENS – LB | AT MSU: 2009-10
Season: 7 G, 7 GS, 17 TKL, 2 AST, 19 TT, 3.O SK, 7.0 TFL, 6 QBH, 1 PD
Last Week: DNP vs. New York Jets (W, 42-21)
Season: 14 G, 14 GS, 340-519, 4,334 YDS, 26 TD, 11 INT, 99.3 QBR, 48 RUSH, 235 YDS, 3 TD
Last Week: 1 GS, 15-23, 212 YDS, 2 TD, 123.8 QBR, 7 RUSH, 12 YD, 0 TD vs. Los Angeles Rams (W, 44-21)
Season: 6 G, 5 GS
Last Week: DNP vs. Denver Broncos (W, 23-3)
Season: 12 G, 4 GS, 25 TKL, 11 AST, 36 TT, 1.0 TFL, 1 PD
Last Week: 1 G vs. Chicago Bears (W, 21-13)
Season: 7 G, 7 GS, 17 TKL, 12 AST, 29 TT, 2.0 SK, 4 TFL, 2 QH, 1 PD
Last Week: 1 GS, 3 TKL, 1 PD vs. Houston Texans (L, 21-24)
Season: 12 G, 12 GS, 29 TKL, 9 AST, 38 TT, 2 INT, 10 PD, 1 FR
Last Week: 1 GS, 2 TKL, 1 AST. 3 TT vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (L, 17-38)
Season: 14 G, 14 GS, 34 TKL, 18 AST, 52 TT, 11.5 SK, 11.0 TFL, 22 QBH, 1 INT, 3 PD, 1 FF
Last Week: 1 GS, 2 TKL, 3 AST, 5 TT, 1 TFL at Chicago Bears (W, 21-13)
Season: 14 G, 14 GS, 24 TKL, 19 AST, 43 TT, 5.0 SK, 5.0 TFL, 9 QBH, 2 PD, 1 FF
Last Week: 1 GS, 1 TKL, 2 AST, 3 TT vs. Philadelphia Eagles (L, 27-37)
Season: 4 G
Last Week: 1 G at Tennessee Titans (W, 24-21)
K.J. WRIGHT | SEATTLE SEAHAWKS – LB | AT MSU: 2007-10
Season: 14 G, 14 GS, 58 TKL, 55 AST, 113 TT, 2.0 TFL, 3 INT, 10 PD, 1 QH
Last Week: 1 GS, 2 TKL, 2 AST, 4 TT, 2 INT, 2 PD at Carolina Panthers (W, 30-24)
Seahawks linebacker K.J. Wright picked off two passes in a 30-24 victory at Carolina on Sunday. Not only was it Wright's first career multi-interception game, but he has now surpassed his previous career interceptions total (2) with three picks this season. He now ranks 18th in the NFL in interceptions and 12th in total tackles (113).
Chris Jones and the Chiefs clinched the AFC West title with a 23-3 win against Denver. Jones was Kansas City's top-graded defensive player with a 90.2 overall grade according to Pro Football Focus thanks to a team-high 81.3 run defense grade and an 80.6 pass rush grade that ranked second on the squad.
The Packers defeated the rival Chicago Bears, 21-13, on Sunday to secure their playoff position. Hunter Bradley, Elgton Jenkins, Will Redmond and Preston Smith remain on the active roster. Smith continues to be a disruptive force on the defense, recording four hurries and five total tackles in Sunday's contest. Jenkins was the fourth-highest rated offensive player on the team and allowed just one pressure while playing all 59 offensive snaps.
J.T. Gray, who leads the NFL in special teams grade according to PFF, will reach the postseason with the Saints. New Orleans secured its berth with a 34-7 home victory against the Indianapolis Colts. In the same game, Denico Autry was Indianapolis' second-highest graded defender.
Below is a list of former Mississippi State student-athletes who are currently with NFL teams. Please use the link to view season and career statistics from NFL.com.
JOHNATHAN ABRAM (IR) | OAKLAND RAIDERS – S | AT MSU: 2017-18
Season: 1 G, 1 GS, 1 TKL, 4 AST, 5 TT, 1 PD
Last Week: DNP vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (L,16-20)
DENICO AUTRY | INDIANAPOLIS COLTS – DT/DE | AT MSU: 2012-13
Season: 13 G, 13 GS, 20 TKL, 12 AST, 32 TT, 3.5 SK, 4.0 TFL, 11 QBH, 4, PD, 1 FF
Last Week: 1 GS, 1 TKL, 1 TT, 1 TFL at New Orleans Saints (L, 7-34)
- Was the Colts' second-highest graded defender according to Pro Football Focus at 76.0
Season: 14 G, 1 AST, 1 TT
Last Week: 1 G, 1 AST, 1 TT vs. Chicago Bears (W, 21-13)
- Clinched playoff berth
Season: 11 G, 1 GS, 2 Rec, 21 YDS, 16 LONG, 2 TKL, 2 AST, 4 TT
Last Week: 1 G at Kansas City Chiefs (L, 3-23)
RICHIE BROWN (IR) | ATLANTA FALCONS – LB | AT MSU: 2012-16
Season: Injured Reserve
Last Week: DNP at San Francisco 49ers (W, 29-22)
DEION CALHOUN | MIAMI DOLPHINS – OG | AT MSU: 2014-18
Season: 7 G, 4 GS, 13 Pressures Allowed, 1 SK Allowed
Last Week: 1 GS, 0 Pressures Allowed at New York Giants (L, 20-36)
TAVEZE CALHOUN (IR) | ATLANTA FALCONS – CB | AT MSU: 2011-15
Season: Injured Reserve
Last Week: DNP at San Francisco 49ers (W, 29-22)
LOGAN COOKE | JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS – P | AT MSU: 2014-17
Season: 13 G, 68 Punts, 3,135 Yds, 46.1 AVG, LONG 66, 23 In-20
Last Week: 1 G, 5 Punts, 248 Yds, 49.6 AVG, LONG 66, 2 In-20 at Oakland Raiders (W, 20-16)
- Booted a season-long 66-yard punt that was downed at the Oakland 3-yard line
Season: 14 G, 14 GS, 23 TKL, 14 AST, 37 TT, 5.0 TFL, 8 QBH, 2 PD, 3.0 SK, 2 FF, 2 PD
Last Week: 1 GS, 2 TKL, 2 AST, 4 TT at Washington Redskins (W, 37-27)
- Ranks 10th in the NFL in pass rush grade (90.1) this season according to Pro Football Focus (min. 50 percent of snaps)
Season: 13 G, 10 TKL, 3 AST, 13 TT, 1 BL, 1 FR
Last Week: 1 G, 1 AST, 1 TT vs. Indianapolis Colts (W, 34-7)
- Was the Saints' highest-graded special teams player (76.8) for the second straight week according to Pro Football Focus
- Clinched playoff berth
- NFL leader with a 91.3 special teams grade this season according to Pro Football Focus (min. 50 percent of snaps)
Season: Practice Squad
Last Week: DNP at New Orleans Saints (L, 7-34
BRAXTON HOYETT (PS) | KANSAS CITY CHIEFS – DT | AT MSU: 2014-18
Season: Practice Squad
Last Week: DNP vs. Denver Broncos (W, 23-3)
- Clinched playoff berth
Season: 9 G, 9 GS, 62.3 Offensive Grade, 72.8 Pass Block Grade, 13 Pressures Allowed
Last Week: 1 GS, 64.0 Offensive Grade, 74.0 Pass Block Grade, 2 Pressures Allowed vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (L, 16-20)
ELGTON JENKINS | GREEN BAY PACKERS – OG | AT MSU: 2014-18
Season: 14 G, 12 GS, 67.2 Offensive Grade, 77.4 Pass Block Grade, 15 Pressures Allowed
Last Week: 1 GS, 79.5 Offensive Grade, 67.1 Pass Block Grade, 79.5 Run Block Grade, 1 Pressure Allowed vs. Chicago Bears (W, 21-13)
- Packers' fourth-highest offensive grade from Pro Football Focus in Week 15
- Clinched playoff berth
Season: Injured Reserve
Last Week: DNP at Carolina Panthers (W, 30-24)
MALCOLM JOHNSON (IR) | GREEN BAY PACKERS – FB | AT MSU: 2010-14
Season: Injured Reserve
Last Week: DNP vs. Chicago Bears (W, 21-13)
- Clinched playoff berth
Season: 11 G, 10 GS, 19 TKL, 12 AST, 31 TT, 7.0 SK, 6.0 TFL, 17 QBH, 4 PD, 1 FR, 1 FF
Last Week: 1 GS, 1 TKL, 1 TT, 3 QH vs. Denver Broncos (W, 23-3)
- Totaled five pressures with a game-high three QB hits and two hurries
- Kansas City's top-graded defensive player at 90.2 overall according to Pro Football Focus
- Also the Chiefs' top-rated run defender (81.3) and second-ranked pass rusher (80.6)
- Clinched playoff berth
- Ranks 12th in the NFL in pass rush grade (87.1) this season according to Pro Football Focus (min. 50 percent of snaps)
Season: 12 G, 4 TKL, 3 AST, 7 TT, 2 QH, 1 PD, 1 BL
Last Week: 1 G, 1 AST, 1 TT vs. Seattle Seahawks (L, 24-30)
BENARDRICK MCKINNEY | HOUSTON TEXANS – LB | AT MSU: 2011-14
Season: 14 G, 14 GS, 54 TKL, 48 AST, 102 TT, 1.0 SK, 4.0 TKL, 4 QBH, 3 PD, 1 FF, 2 FR
Last Week: 1 GS, 5 TKL, 4 AST, 9 TT, 0.5 SK, 1 QBH at Tennessee Titans (L, 24-21)
- Split a two-yard sack in the fourth quarter
- Ninth in the AFC with 102 total tackles
- Tied for 11th in the NFL with two fumble recoveries
Season: Injured Reserve
Last Week: DNP vs. Miami Dolphins (W, 36-20)
PERNELL MCPHEE (IR) | BALTIMORE RAVENS – LB | AT MSU: 2009-10
Season: 7 G, 7 GS, 17 TKL, 2 AST, 19 TT, 3.O SK, 7.0 TFL, 6 QBH, 1 PD
Last Week: DNP vs. New York Jets (W, 42-21)
- Clinched playoff berth
Season: 14 G, 14 GS, 340-519, 4,334 YDS, 26 TD, 11 INT, 99.3 QBR, 48 RUSH, 235 YDS, 3 TD
Last Week: 1 GS, 15-23, 212 YDS, 2 TD, 123.8 QBR, 7 RUSH, 12 YD, 0 TD vs. Los Angeles Rams (W, 44-21)
- With a 59-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter, he broke into the Cowboys' single-season top 10 with 26 passing scored on the year (T-9th)
- Touchdown pass also marked his 30th career multi-touchdown game
- Moved into third place on the Cowboys' single-season passing yards leaderboard
- Led Dallas to its highest scoring output since the 2014 season
- Second in the NFL in passing yards and third in completions
Season: 6 G, 5 GS
Last Week: DNP vs. Denver Broncos (W, 23-3)
- Clinched playoff berth
Season: 12 G, 4 GS, 25 TKL, 11 AST, 36 TT, 1.0 TFL, 1 PD
Last Week: 1 G vs. Chicago Bears (W, 21-13)
- Clinched playoff berth
Season: 7 G, 7 GS, 17 TKL, 12 AST, 29 TT, 2.0 SK, 4 TFL, 2 QH, 1 PD
Last Week: 1 GS, 3 TKL, 1 PD vs. Houston Texans (L, 21-24)
- Tennessee's third-highest graded defender at 80.2 according to Pro Football Focus
Season: 12 G, 12 GS, 29 TKL, 9 AST, 38 TT, 2 INT, 10 PD, 1 FR
Last Week: 1 GS, 2 TKL, 1 AST. 3 TT vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (L, 17-38)
- Allowed just one reception for six yards when targeted
- 19th in the NFC with 10 pass defenses
Season: 14 G, 14 GS, 34 TKL, 18 AST, 52 TT, 11.5 SK, 11.0 TFL, 22 QBH, 1 INT, 3 PD, 1 FF
Last Week: 1 GS, 2 TKL, 3 AST, 5 TT, 1 TFL at Chicago Bears (W, 21-13)
- Registered four hurries according to Pro Football Focus
- Clinched playoff berth
Season: 14 G, 14 GS, 24 TKL, 19 AST, 43 TT, 5.0 SK, 5.0 TFL, 9 QBH, 2 PD, 1 FF
Last Week: 1 GS, 1 TKL, 2 AST, 3 TT vs. Philadelphia Eagles (L, 27-37)
- Led Washington with an 83.6 run defense grade according to Pro Football Focus
- Recorded three hurries
Season: 4 G
Last Week: 1 G at Tennessee Titans (W, 24-21)
K.J. WRIGHT | SEATTLE SEAHAWKS – LB | AT MSU: 2007-10
Season: 14 G, 14 GS, 58 TKL, 55 AST, 113 TT, 2.0 TFL, 3 INT, 10 PD, 1 QH
Last Week: 1 GS, 2 TKL, 2 AST, 4 TT, 2 INT, 2 PD at Carolina Panthers (W, 30-24)
- Clinched playoff berth
- Ranks 16th in the NFL in tackling grade (83.4) this season according to Pro Football Focus (min. 50 percent of snaps)
- Ranks 12th in the NFL in total tackles and tied for 18th in interceptions
Players Mentioned
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