Cal’s Four Drafted Players, Plus Daniel Scott, Make NFL Rosters

The fact that third-round pick Williams (Chiefs), fourth-round pick Buchanan (Ravens) and fourth-round pick Woodson (Patriots) made their teams’ 53-man rosters was not a surprise. They even figure to get playing time as rookies, and Woodson and former Cal standout Jaylinn Hawkins are competing for one of the Patriots starting safety spots alongside Jabrill Peppers.

The fact that Harris, a sixth-round pick of the Titans, made Tennessee’s roster was somewhat of a surprise. Less than half the players taken in the sixth and seventh rounds make NFL rosters in their first season, but Harris did enough in preseason to be one of six corners the Titans kept.

Former Cal safety Patrick McMorris was not as fortunate. He missed most of his rookie season in 2024 with an injury, but earlier this year he appeared to be one of several Dolphins safeties in contention for a starting job this season. However, when the Dolphins acquired Minkah Fitzpatrick, McMorris was knocked down a few rungs and he was cut on Monday.

Ex-Golden Bears offensive lineman Jake Curhan suffered a similar fate, as he was cut by the Arizona Cardinals after being on NFL rosters the past four seasons. He is hoping to get signed by another team, and so are the other players who were released in recent days..

Two former Cal players who were undrafted free agents this year -- Xavier Carlton and Rush Reimer -- failed to make NFL rosters. Carlton, who was trying to make it as a defensive end with the Chicago Bears, was released by the Bears, and offensive lineman Reimer had an odd preseason.  He was signed by the Bills as an undrafted free agent, then cut a few weeks ago, only to be re-signed by the Bills in August.  He was cut by Buffalo again late last week.

Ex-Golden Bears offensive lineman Matthew Cindric was waived by Atlanta Falcons in his second attempt to make an NFL roster.

Here are all the former Cal players who are on NFL rosters to open the 2025 regular season. (Players are listed in alphabetical order.):

Keenan Allen, wide receiver, Los Angeles Chargers.

Bryan Anger, punter, Dallas Cowboys

Teddye Buchanan, linebacker, Baltimore Ravens

Camryn Bynum, safety, Indianapolis Colts

Ashtyn Davis, safety, Miami Dolphins

Jared Goff, quarterback, Detroit Lions

Cameron Goode, linebacker, Miami Dolphins

Marcus Harris, cornerback, Tennessee Titans

Jaylinn Hawkins, safety, New England Patriots

Elijah Hicks, safety, Chicago Bears

Cameron Jordan, defensive end, New Orleans Saints

Patrick Mekari, offensive lineman, Jacksonville Jaguars

Aaron Rodgers, quarterback, Pittsburgh Steelers

Daniel Scott, safety, Indianapolis Colts

Jackson Sirmon, linebacker, New York Jets

Jake Tonges, tight end, San Francisco 49ers

Nohl Williams, cornerback, Kansas City Chiefs

Craig Woodson, New England Patriots

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