NFL Training Camp Risers: Victor Cruz’s 3-TD Game and Tyrod Taylor’s 236 Yards

Tyrod Taylor secured a starting role after completing 24 of 31 passes for 236 yards and rushing for 108 yards during the 2015 preseason.

Tyrod Taylor earned the Buffalo Bills starting quarterback job in 2015 by completing 24 of 31 passes for 236 yards and rushing 11 times for 108 yards and one touchdown during three preseason games. He beat out veterans Matt Cassel and EJ Manuel despite entering camp with the least experience. Taylor eventually started 43 games over three seasons, helping the franchise end a historic playoff drought in 2017. In a similar preseason breakout, New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz caught six passes for 145 yards and three touchdowns against the Jets in 2010. The performance prompted Jets coach Rex Ryan to exclaim, "holy s---" regarding the undrafted free agent from UMass.

In the AFC North, safety Will Demps ascended the Baltimore Ravens depth chart in 2002 after returning a fourth-quarter interception 18 yards for a score against the Lions. The undrafted rookie out of San Diego State recorded 53 tackles and a game-saving interception against the Jaguars that year. During his only playoff appearance with Baltimore, Demps returned another interception 56 yards for a touchdown. Meanwhile, Cincinnati Bengals receiver Damion Willis earned a Week 1 start in 2019 after a preseason catch against Pro Bowler Janoris Jenkins. Willis, an undrafted player, filled the vacancy left by an injured A.J. Green.

Defensive and Special Teams Standouts

Miami Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas, a fifth-round pick in 1996, forced the release of veteran Jack del Rio by securing a starting role during his first training camp. Thomas finished his rookie campaign with 120 solo tackles, a career-high mark he never surpassed in 13 seasons. In Cleveland, Joshua Cribbs transitioned from a Kent State quarterback to a return specialist in 2005. As an undrafted rookie, he set a Browns franchise record with 1,094 return yards. Pittsburgh Steelers safety Donnie Shell, an undrafted free agent from South Carolina State, utilized a six-week NFLPA strike in 1974 to earn extra camp reps. Shell concluded a 14-year Hall of Fame career with 51 interceptions and 19 fumble recoveries.

New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler occupied the 90th and final roster spot in 2014 after working at Popeyes and playing for Division II West Alabama. Teammates nicknamed him "Strap" for his tight coverage before he recorded a game-saving interception in the Super Bowl. In New York, Wayne Chrebet rose from 10th on a 10-man depth chart at the 1995 Jets camp to become a starter by Week 1. The Hofstra product finished his career with 580 receptions, ranking second in franchise history.

Rushing Leaders and Offensive Risers

Houston Texans running back Arian Foster averaged 42.8 rushing yards per game as a rookie in 2009 after starting the year on the practice squad. He recorded 119 yards and two touchdowns in the season finale against the Patriots. By 2010, Foster led the NFL with 2,220 scrimmage yards. Indianapolis Colts back Dominic Rhodes stepped in for an injured Edgerrin James in 2001, producing five 100-yard rushing games and 1,104 total yards. Only James, with 10, has more 100-yard rookie performances in Colts history. Denver Broncos Hall of Famer Terrell Davis was a sixth-round pick in 1995 who gained notice for a hit on kickoff coverage during a preseason game in Tokyo. Davis rushed for 1,117 yards during his first season.

Tennessee Titans returner Marc Mariani set franchise records in 2010 with 1,530 kick return yards and 61 returns. He scored on a 98-yard kickoff return in Week 4 and an 87-yard punt return in Week 11. Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Allen Hurns caught 51 passes for 677 yards and six touchdowns in 2014, setting a rookie receiving score record that stood until 2024.

Historic Transitions to Stardom

Antonio Gates joined the Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2003 after playing four years of basketball at Kent State. He eventually set the NFL record for career touchdowns by a tight end with 116. Kansas City Chiefs guard Brian Waters joined the team in 2000 following a stint in NFL Europe with the Berlin Thunder. Waters started 149 games and earned six Pro Bowl selections over 11 seasons. In Washington, Joe Jacoby was the final offensive lineman added to the 1981 roster. The undrafted Louisville product started 13 games as a rookie and became a three-time first-team All-Pro.

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey made 36 of 38 field goal attempts in 2023, including his first 35 tries, after transitioning from professional soccer. Philadelphia Eagles receiver Vince Papale, a 30-year-old teacher, earned a spot following a 1976 open tryout, inspiring the film "Invincible." In Detroit, Amon-Ra St. Brown set Lions rookie records with 90 receptions and 912 yards in 2021. Chicago Bears edge rusher Mark Anderson established a franchise rookie record with 12 sacks in 2006. Finally, Minnesota Vikings center Mick Tingelhoff, who entered the 1962 camp as a 237-pound linebacker, started every game for 17 seasons after switching positions.