Several Arizona Wildcats survive NFL rosters cuts for start of season

Eight former Arizona Wildcats survived the league-wide roster cuts that took place in the NFL on Tuesday, including the three ex-Cats who were taken in the NFL Draft: left tackle Jordan Morgan, wide receiver Jacob Cowing and tight end Tanner McLachlan. 

The eight UA representatives in the NFL are connected to the Wildcats' last four head coaches before Brent Brennan in Jedd Fisch, Kevin Sumlin Rich Rodriguez and Mike Stoops.

Not everyone made it, albeit most of them will likely remain with their respective teams or sign with another one as a practice squad member.

Former Arizona running backs Michael Wiley (Washington Commanders), DJ Williams (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), JJ Taylor (Houston Texans) and Gary Brightwell (Jacksonville Jaguars) were released on Tuesday.

Other former Wildcats released were kicker Lucas Havrisik (Cleveland Browns), defensive back Dane Cruikshank (Atlanta Falcons), defensive end Jalen Harris (Washington Commanders), defensive tackle Tyler Manoa (Minnesota Vikings) and defensive back Christian Young (Green Bay Packers). 

Here's a look at the ex-Wildcats who made active 53-man rosters on Tuesday: 

Jacob Cowing, wide receiver, San Franciso 49ers

After becoming the first Arizona wide receiver drafted since Juron Criner in 2012, Cowing showed why he was one of the most productive collegiate receivers over the last few years. The fourth-round pick caught seven passes for 90 yards and a touchdown in the preseason. With first-round receiver Ricky Pearsall suffering a shoulder injury and Brandon Aiyuk's face-off with the franchise amid contract negotiations and trade rumors, Cowing could have a complementary role early on as a rookie. 

Tony Fields II, linebacker, Cleveland Browns

Fields has 86 tackles and one interception in three seasons with the Browns. Fields is currently projected as a backup "Will" linebacker to Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. 

Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, linebacker, San Franciso 49ers

The defensive back-converted-linebacker and Tucson native has 79 tackles and one pass defended since turning pro. Flannigan-Fowles has played in two Super Bowls, losing both contests to the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Nick Folk, kicker, Tennessee Titans

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The 39-year-old is entering his 16th season in the NFL — and his kicking ages like fine wine. Folk is fresh off his career-best field goal rate (96.7%) after making 29 of 30 attempts in his first season with the Titans. Folk has been a Special Teams Player of the Week nine times in his NFL career; he was the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week after his game-winning field goal in overtime to beat the Chargers. Over his career, Folk has made 382 of 456 field goals (83.8%). Folk hasn't missed a field goal inside 40 yards since 2017. 

Roy Lopez, defensive tackle, Arizona Cardinals

Lopez, going into his fourth season in the NFL, will be one of the Cardinals' reserve defensive tackles. The 6-2, 318-pound Lopez had 42 tackles for the hometown Cardinals after starting his career with the Houston Texans. 

Tanner McLachlan, tight end, Cincinnati Bengals

The most productive Arizona tight end since Rob Gronkowski recorded three catches for 42 yards for the Bengals this preseason. McLachlan will join a crowded tight ends room that has Mike Gesicki, Drew Sample, Tanner Hudson and fellow rookie Erick All Jr. from Iowa. 

Since McLachlan is from Alberta, Canada, he was also drafted by the CFL's Calgary Stampeders this summer, but will play for the Bengals this season.  

Jordan Morgan, offensive line, Green Bay Packers

The first-round choice by the Packers — the highest-selected Wildcat in the NFL Draft since Chris McAlister in 1999 — won't play left tackle in Green Bay. Former Penn State offensive lineman and two-year veteran Rasheed Walker will start at left tackle for the Packers, with Morgan moving inside to right guard between center Josh Myers and right tackle Zach Tom.

While Morgan has played offensive tackle (right at Marana High School, left at the UA) and excelled at it, his athleticism and 6-5, 311-pound frame could make him an even better guard. Morgan's first test in the NFL will be during Week 1, when the Packers face the Philadelphia Eagles on the road on Friday, Sept. 6. 

Christian Rolland-Wallace, defensive back, Kansas City Chiefs

Following one season at USC, the four-year starter for the Wildcats went undrafted and signed with defending Super Bowl champion as a free agent.

Although Roland-Wallace wasn't considered a ballhawk defensive back, he was uber-productive no matter where he played. Over his five-year career at Arizona and USC, Roland-Wallace recorded 205 tackles, 25 passes defended and four interceptions. The hard-hitting Roland-Wallace, who mostly played cornerback in college, could carve out a role as a nickel back and special teams standout with the Chiefs.