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Penn State players who stood out in Week Two of NFL preseason

Headshot 5x7 reduced qualityby:Thomas Frank Carr•08/21/22•

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JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - AUGUST 20: Pat Freiermuth #88 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts in the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on August 20, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Courtney Culbreath/Getty Images)

Here are the former Penn State players who made waves in Week Two of the NFL Preseason. Players must be on the field for at least 20 offensive or defensive snaps to qualify for this list (some exceptions apply). Stats are via PFF.

Penn State defensive standouts in Week Two

Brandon Smith

Once again, Brandon Smith was one of the Carolina Panther’s top performers during the second week of the NFL preseason. He played 47 of the team’s 68 defensive snaps and registered two solo tackles, two stops, and a sack. The former Penn State Nittany Lion was also solid in coverage, allowing only one catch for eight yards.

Grant Haley

Grant Haley didn’t see a target in the Rams’ 24-20 loss to the Texans, but he was solid in coverage, according to PFF, playing sound defense and finishing with a grade of 71.2 in coverage. His run defense continues to be a selling point of making the team, with two more stops, which brings his preseason total to seven. That’s tied for first on the team through two weeks.

Tariq Castro-Fields

Standing out doesn’t always mean it’s a positive review. Tariq Castro-Fields continues to struggle in San Francisco. The former Penn State corner gave up six receptions for 30 yards and missed a tackle as the 49ers beat the Vikings 17-7 on Saturday. However, Castro-Fields cleaned up his leaky run defense from a week ago, finishing fourth on the team in that facet.

Penn State offensive players who stood out in Week Two

Will Fries

The former Penn State road grader isn’t blowing players off the ball as he did in his final two seasons at Penn State for the Colts, but he’s still playing relatively well. Fries only gave up one pressure while splitting time at left guard and center. Showing he can cover multiple interior positions for Indianapolis is critical for Fries to retain his backup role with the organization.

Connor McGovern

Connor McGovern didn’t fare as his former Penn State line mate Fries in Week Two. He gave up two quick pressures on only 12 pass-blocking snaps and didn’t make a substantial impact as a run-blocker, according to his 61.0 grade in that facet. Dallas walloped the Chargers 32-18, so it didn’t make a difference in the final outcome.

Mike Gesicki

Mike Gesicki feels like a fish out of water in the new Mike McDaniel offense for the Dolphins. Last season he lined up in the slot or out wide 705 of his 827 offensive snaps. During his first real action with Miami this season, the former Penn State star lined up inline at tight end an equal amount of times to those other positions.

Predictably, Gesicki struggled as a run-blocker and gave up a pressure on his one attempt at pass blocking. He still caught three passes for 27 yards, but if the Dolphins ask him to play tight end conventionally, it might be a long season for 88.

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Pat Freiermuth

On the flip side, Pat Freiermuth is doing just fine this preseason. He caught two passes for first downs against the Jaguars, including a pretty pass up the season for an explosive reception. He gave up a couple of blocks to Josh Allen of the Jaguars, but the former Penn State do-it-all tight end was still solid as a blocker on the day. Freiermuth will be a welcome security blanket for whoever lines up under center for the Steelers this season.

Jahan Dotson

Penn State’s superstar receiver has been quiet this preseason but still is making plays under the radar. Still, Jahan Dotson took a routine screen pass for a first down against the Chiefs on the game’s first drive for the Commanders.

However, Dotson fares this season, it’s fair to say the quarterback pulling the trigger is going to have an impact on his overall production.

Bonus: Penn State Special Teams

Blake Gillikin

While Jordan Stout continues to punt well, we’ll highlight former Penn State punter Blake Gillikin this week. It’s hard to ignore you when you punt the ball for 81 yards.

Gillikin has been the best punter in the preseason, per PFF, with a grade of 76.2. He’s punted 11 times, three have been fair caught, and six returned. Maybe more impressively, he’s punted into the 20 five times with only two going for touchbacks.

Oh, and that booming punt earned him a visit from the NFL’s drug enforcement team.

Notable Penn State alums still to play:

Arizona vs. Baltimore 8pm

  • Trace McSorley (AZ)
  • Jesse Luketa (AZ)
  • Jordan Stout (BLT)
  • Odafe Oweh (BLT)

Cincinnati Bengals vs. New York Giants 7pm

  • Saquon Barkley (NYG)

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Cleveland Browns

*Miles Sanders has a hamstring injury and is out for an undisclosed amount of time.

Atlanta Falcons vs. New York Jets

  • Arnold Ebiketie (ATL)
  • Derrick Tangelo (ATL)

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