BBNFL: Bryce Oliver catches two TDs in Preseason Week 3
The third and final NFL preseason game highlighted a name from the past in former Kentucky wide receiver, Bryce Oliver. Playing for the Titans, Oliver caught not one, but two touchdown passes, including the game-winner in the 4th quarter. In total, he caught all three of his targets for a total of 52 yards and finished with the highest PFF grade out of all BBNFL players at 88.6.
Don’t remember Bryce Oliver? I don’t blame you. Oliver last played for Kentucky in 2020. During his three years in Lexington, he played in 20 games, 12 of which came as a redshirt sophomore. In total, he had eight receptions, 111 yards, and a touchdown.
After the Covid year, Oliver transferred to Youngstown State where he was unstoppable. As a super senior last season, Oliver recorded 64 catches for 978 yards receiving yards and a Youngstown State record 26 (yes 26!) touchdowns.
It still may be a stretch for Oliver to make the Titans’ final 53-man roster, but it is great to see a former ‘Cat excel on an NFL field. Throughout three preseason games, Oliver finished with 8 catches, 90 yards, and two TDs.
Josh Hines-Allen gets a tuneup, Keidron Smith plays well once again
Every NFL team plays their hands differently during the preseason. Some choose to play their stars early, some late, and some not at all. Josh Hines-Allen was a star soaking in the rest, but he saw the field for 21 snaps in Preseason Week 3 and was his usual dominant self. Statistically, he only had one QB pressure, but PFF awarded him the highest grade of any defensive BBNFL player at 85.6.
Freshly paid and freshly hyphenated, Josh Hines-Allen is in store for a big year.
Keidron Smith did not come down with his third pick in as many games, but he former Kentucky defensive back played well, making four tackles and even getting into the backfield to cause a QB hurry. Smith has shined this preseason and looks like he may have found a home in Denver.
The NFL’s 53-man roster deadline is August 27th, so look for a lot of personnel movement over the next couple of days. Fingers crossed most of the former Wildcats land in a good spot.
BBNFL snap counts and PFF player grades for Preseason Week 3
PFF grades reflect the players’ respective offensive or defensive grades unless the first snap count listed is special teams (ST), in which case it is the special teams’ grade.
| Player | Pos | Stats | PFF Grade |
| Bryce Oliver (TEN) | WR | 33 snaps, 3 targets, 3 rec, 52 yards, 2 TD | 88.6 |
| Josh Hines-Allen (JAX) | LB | 21 snaps, 1 QB pressure | 85.6 |
| Keidron Smith (DEN) | DB | 23 snaps, 4 tackles, 1 QB hit | 74.6 |
| Brenden Bates (CHI) | TE | 46 snaps, 3 targets, 2 rec, 14 yards | 70.9 |
| Za’Darius Smith (CLE) | LB | 9 snaps, 2 tackles | 70.8 |
| Jamin Davis (WAS) | LB | 28 snaps, 1 QB pressure, 2 tackles | 66.6 |
| Will Levis (TEN) | QB | 18 snaps, 7/8 passing, 118 yards | 63.9 |
| Chris Rodriguez (WAS) | RB | 14 snaps, 1 rush, 1 yard, 4 rec, 39 yards | 63 |
| Luke Fortner (JAX) | C | 31 snaps | 61.7 |
| Marquan McCall (LV) | DL | 49 snaps, 4 tackles, 1 assist | 61.2 |
| Lonnie Johnson Jr. (HOU) | DB | 49 snaps, 4 tackles, 1 assist | 61.2 |
| Ramon Jefferson (TB) | RB | 4 snaps, 4 rushes, 12 yards | 60.9 |
| Trevin Wallace (CAR) | LB | 19 snaps, 5 tackles | 58.9 |
| Josh Ali (ATL) | WR | 20 snaps | 58.3 |
| MJ Devonshire (LV) | DB | 29 snaps, 1 assist | 56.3 |
| Tashawn Manning (BAL) | OL | 8 snaps | 55.4 |
| Kelvin Joseph (KC) | DB | 35 snaps, 4 tackles, 1 assist | 54.7 |
| Phil Hoskins (ARI) | DL | 29 snaps, 2 QB pressures, 1 sack, 1 tackle | 52 |
| Josh Pascal (DET) | DL | 19 snaps,1 tackle, 1 assist | 52 |
| Landon Young (NO) | OL | 30 snaps | 48.3 |
| Quinton Bohanna (TEN) | DL | 27 snaps, 1 QB pressure, tackle | 46.6 |
| Darian Kinnard (PHI) | OL | 55 snaps, 1 pressure allowed, 1 penalty | 42.8 |
| Devin Leary (BAL) | QB | 30 snaps, 6/13 passing, 34 yards, 2 INT | 22.8 |
| Ray Davis (BUF) | RB | DNP | |
| Mike Edwards (BUF) | DB | DNP | |
| Bud Dupree (LAC) | LB | DNP | |
| Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) | WR | DNP | |
| Andru Phillips (NYG) | DB | DNP | |
| Brandin Echols (NYJ) | DB | DNP | |
| Carrington Valentine (GB) | DB | DNP |
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