Pro Frogs: A look at the current TCU athletes in the NFL

The Horned Frogs are once again one of the most well-represented collegiate teams in the professional ranks.

Year after year the TCU Horned Frogs are well-represented in the NFL. Following a relatively light 2024 draft class (only three Horned Frogs selected)—there will still be over 30 pro frogs representing TCU professionally.

This past April, offensive tackle Brandon Coleman, tight end Jared Wiley, and cornerback Josh Newton heard their names called in the NFL Draft. In addition to the draftees, safety Mark Perry, offensive tackle Andrew Coker and running back Emani Bailey caught on with the Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs, respectively. Although none of the aforementioned players made the official 53-man roster, both players will ultimately end up on a practice squad in some way or another.

While Coleman is already penciled in as the Washington Commanders’ starting left tackle, both Wiley and Newton will begin the season in second-string roles. However, it might not be too long for the former TCU cornerback as he impressed in the preseason.

Aside from the freshest batch of professionals, the Horned Frogs will see eight 2023 draftees make opening rosters. Among the 2023 Fiesta Bowl champs are Quentin Johnston (LA Chargers), Steve Avila (Los Angeles Rams), Kendre Miller (New Orleans Saints), Dylan Horton (Houston Texans), Derius Davis (LA Chargers), Tre Tomlinson (Los Angeles Rams), Dee Winters (San Francisco 49ers) and undrafted free agent Emari Demercado (Arizona Cardinals). One of the Horned Frogs greats, Max Duggan, was recently cut by the Chargers, but should hang around on a practice squad this season.

Of the 2023 draftees, Avila and Davis should receive ample playing time, while Johnston could also be in for a big role following the Chargers moving on from longtime receivers, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Despite Davis not slotting in as a starter, he’ll get plenty of opportunities to contribute on special teams as LA’s primary return man. The 5-foot-8 receiver is a home run threat any time he touches the ball.

Besides the recent two draft classes, the Horned Frogs feature a plethora of professional talent dating back to 2010. And surprisingly, 36-year-old quarterback Andy Dalton isn’t the longest tenured Frog. Houston Texans’ defensive end Jerry Hughes holds that honor. Teaming up with fellow alum, Horton, Hughes will compete in his 15th season in the coming weeks. Both elder statesmen will begin the season second on their respective depth charts.

Even though neither player is in for a big role, they still proved they can compete at the highest level. Dalton appeared in three games and made one start a season ago. In limited action, the Red Rifle tossed two touchdowns and 361 yards in his age-36 season. As for Hughes, the edge rusher appeared in all 17 games and recorded 32 tackles and three sacks in a rotational role.

In between the youngsters and the longtime veterans are L.J. Collier (Arizona Cardinals), Ar’Darius Washington (Baltimore Ravens), Matt Pryor (Chicago Bears), KaVontae Turpin (Dallas Cowboys), Lucas Niang (Kansas City Chiefs), Joe Noteboom (Los Angeles Rams), Tre’Von Moehrig (Las Vegas Raiders), Jalen Reagor (New England Patriots), Austin Schlottmann (New York Giants), Ty Summers (Detroit Lions) and Garret Wallow (Tennessee Titans). Of the previously mentioned players, Noteboom and Moehrig will open week one as starters. Furthermore, Turpin and Washington will receive plenty of playing time.