BBNFL: Keidron Smith nabs another pick, Ray Davis shines in Preseason Week 2
The countdown to meaningful football is in full swing. While Kentucky is set to kick off its 2024 season against Southern Miss next Saturday, 23 former Wildcats suited up in the second week of the NFL preseason. BBNFL has never been this stacked with talent, so once again, a tip of the hat to what Mark Stoops and Vince Marrow have done by building a pipeline to the pros that runs through Lexington.
Not everyone who played this week will make their respective team’s opening day 53-man roster, but it is hard not to admire the volume of former Kentucky players getting a shot in the NFL.
Keidron Smith secures second interception in as many games
Another week of football, another interception from Keidron Smith. The former Kentucky defensive back is making it very difficult for the Denver coaching staff to cut him, as he secured a pick in back-to-back games.
He nearly ran this one, against the Packers, all the way back for a touchdown before getting tackled at the 14-yard line. It all amounted to an incredibly stout PFF grade of 91.1, highest amongst all the former ‘Cats.
Smith’s interception was the BBNFL defensive highlight in Preseason Week 2, but former ‘Cats had totaled two strip sacks over the weekend via Josh Paschal and Jamin Davis.
Paschal has been riddled with injuries during his first few seasons in the NFL and Jamin Davis has been great albeit inconsistent during his tenure with the Washington Football Team. It might be a make-or-break year for these two this season.
Ray Davis dominated on the ground for Buffalo
Against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Preseason Week 2, Ray Davis made a strong case to win the role of James Cook’s backup for the Buffalo Bills. The former Wildcat rushed the ball eight times for 58 yards (7.3 yards per attempt), which included one breakaway for 19 yards. On top of that, 40 of his 58 yards came after contact and he created five missed tackles.
After the game, Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott praised Davis: “Ray was making some big-time runs. They were physical. He was physical and almost looking for contact. Squaring his pads up to the line of scrimmage – I respect that.”
Elsewhere on offense, Brenden Bates made another fine catch for the Chicago Bears, this one for 23 yards, and stuffed the PFF grade box at 89.8. That was good for the 3rd best rating of all rookies in Preseason Week 2.
Throughout three games in the preseason, Bates has four targets, four receptions, and 86 yards. Oh, and he also had three special teams tackles to boot. Bates is another guy making it very hard for his coaching staff to release, and it is beautiful to watch.
BBNFL snap counts and PFF player grades for Preseason Week 2
Of all the rookies that logged at least 15 snaps in week two, only two graded higher than former Kentucky tight end Brenden Bates.
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 |
| Keidron Smith (DEN) | DB | 37 snaps, 1 INT, 1 tackle, 1 assist | 91.1 |
| Ray Davis (BUF) | RB | 13 snaps, 8 rushes, 58 yards | 90.6 |
| Brenden Bates (CHI) | TE | 18 snaps, 1 rec, 23 yards | 89.8 |
| Lonnie Johnson Jr. (HOU) | DB | 37 snaps, 4 tackles, 86.1 | 86.1 |
| Josh Pascal (DET) | DL | 28 snaps, 3 QB pressures, 1 sack, 1 tackle | 78.7 |
| Tashawn Manning (BAL) | OL | 18 snaps, 1 pressure allowed | 77.8 |
| Jamin Davis (WAS) | LB | 21 snaps, 3 pressures, 1 sack | 73 |
| Marquan McCall (LV) | DL | 6 snaps, 1 assist | 71.6 |
| Darian Kinnard (PHI) | OL | 56 snaps, 1 pressure allowed | 66.1 |
| Luke Fortner (JAX) | C | 40 snaps | 64.4 |
| Trevin Wallace (CAR) | LB | 29 snaps, 3 tackles, 1 assist | 64.1 |
| Josh Ali (ATL) | WR | 22 snaps, 1 rec, 19 yards | 63.2 |
| Devin Leary (BAL) | QB | 12 snaps, 3/5 passing, 24 yards | 62.3 |
| Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) | WR | 20 snaps, 1 rec, 13 yards | 60.4 |
| Bryce Oliver (TEN) | WR | 39 snaps, 3 rec, 22 yards | 60.2 |
| Landon Young (NO) | OL | 32 snaps, 2 pressures allowed | 59.1 |
| Kelvin Joseph (KC) | DB | 50 snaps, 4 tackles, 1 penalty | 57.8 |
| Ramon Jefferson (TB) | RB | 19 snaps, 1 rush, -5 yards | 57.3 |
| Brandin Echols (NYJ) | DB | 19 snaps, 3 tackles | 52.9 |
| Chris Rodriguez (WAS) | RB | 8 snaps, 1 rush, 3 yards | 51.8 |
| Quinton Bohanna (TEN) | DL | 19 snaps, 1 tackle | 51.6 |
| Phil Hoskins (ARI) | DL | 35 snaps, 2 tackles | 48.2 |
| MJ Devonshire (LV) | DB | 18 snaps, 3 tackles | 36.2 |
| Mike Edwards (BUF) | DB | DNP | |
| Za’Darius Smith (CLE) | LB | DNP | |
| Bud Dupree (LAC) | LB | DNP | |
| Andru Phillips (NYG) | DB | DNP | |
| Josh Hines-Allen (JAX) | LB | DNP | |
| Carrington Valentine (GB) | DB | DNP | |
| Will Levis (TEN) | QB | DNP | |
| Jeremy Flax (MIN) | OL | DNP |
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