WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - As the 2023-24 NFL season charges forward, Purdue Football continues to be well-represented in the professional ranks. Nine former Boilermakers saw action with a handful of players showcasing their talent and influence.
In an electrifying week seven matchup against the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots' linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley exhibited exceptional skill and leadership on the field. Bentley anchored the Patriots' defense, leading them in tackles for the third time this season with nine total, two solo.
Beyond this, Bentley's versatility was on full display as he contributed a crucial pass breakup on fourth down in the fourth quarter. His performance played a pivotal role in the Patriots' success against a strong divisional opponent, demonstrating why he is a captain on this New England defense.
Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Aidan O'Connell saw action in his second game of the season against the Chicago Bears. While veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer started the game, O'Connell's entry into the game in the fourth quarter injected new life into the Raiders' offense.
O'Connell completed 10-of-13 passing attempts for 75 yards. Despite throwing an interception on his first drive, O'Connell kept his poise and came back in the game to go 60 yards and throw a touchdown pass with one minute left in the game. Although the Raiders ultimately fell short in the game, O'Connell's performance demonstrated his resilience and growth as a young quarterback.
Other Boilermakers in the NFL
• Raheem Mostert (Miami) – Nine rushing attempts, 45 rushing yards, three targets, one six-yard reception vs. Philadelphia
• Derrick Barnes (Detroit) – Two tackles, one solo vs. Baltimore
• George Karlaftis (Kansas City) – Three tackles, one solo, one sack for a loss of nine yards, one quarterback hit, one tackle-for-loss vs. Los Angeles Chargers
• Rondale Moore (Arizona) – Four targets, two receptions, two receiving yards, four rushing attempts, 24 rushing yards vs. Seattle
• David Bell (Cleveland) – Played three offensive snaps and 18% of special teams snaps vs. Indianapolis
• Payne Durham (Tampa Bay) – One target, played 21% of offensive snaps and 19% of special teams snaps
• Brycen Hopkins (Los Angeles Rams) – One target, one five-yard reception vs. Pittsburgh
• Anthony Brown (San Francisco) – Did not play
• Jalen Graham (San Francisco) – Inactive
• Markus Bailey (Cincinnati) – BYE
• Charlie Jones (Cincinnati) – BYE (Injured Reserve)
• Corey Trice (Pittsburgh) – Injured Reserve
• David Blough (Detroit) – Practice Squad
• Dennis Kelly (New York Jets) – Practice Squad
In an electrifying week seven matchup against the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots' linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley exhibited exceptional skill and leadership on the field. Bentley anchored the Patriots' defense, leading them in tackles for the third time this season with nine total, two solo.
Beyond this, Bentley's versatility was on full display as he contributed a crucial pass breakup on fourth down in the fourth quarter. His performance played a pivotal role in the Patriots' success against a strong divisional opponent, demonstrating why he is a captain on this New England defense.
Ja'Whaun Bentley with a MAJOR play to end the #Bills drive!
— Carlos (@LosTalksPats) October 22, 2023
The #Patriots Captain comes up big. pic.twitter.com/MdPzqcEGgo
Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Aidan O'Connell saw action in his second game of the season against the Chicago Bears. While veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer started the game, O'Connell's entry into the game in the fourth quarter injected new life into the Raiders' offense.
O'Connell completed 10-of-13 passing attempts for 75 yards. Despite throwing an interception on his first drive, O'Connell kept his poise and came back in the game to go 60 yards and throw a touchdown pass with one minute left in the game. Although the Raiders ultimately fell short in the game, O'Connell's performance demonstrated his resilience and growth as a young quarterback.
🚨 First passing TD for AOC 🚨
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) October 22, 2023
Chicago native gets a special moment close to home.
pic.twitter.com/mgqquUtNiR
Other Boilermakers in the NFL
• Raheem Mostert (Miami) – Nine rushing attempts, 45 rushing yards, three targets, one six-yard reception vs. Philadelphia
• Derrick Barnes (Detroit) – Two tackles, one solo vs. Baltimore
• George Karlaftis (Kansas City) – Three tackles, one solo, one sack for a loss of nine yards, one quarterback hit, one tackle-for-loss vs. Los Angeles Chargers
• Rondale Moore (Arizona) – Four targets, two receptions, two receiving yards, four rushing attempts, 24 rushing yards vs. Seattle
• David Bell (Cleveland) – Played three offensive snaps and 18% of special teams snaps vs. Indianapolis
• Payne Durham (Tampa Bay) – One target, played 21% of offensive snaps and 19% of special teams snaps
• Brycen Hopkins (Los Angeles Rams) – One target, one five-yard reception vs. Pittsburgh
• Anthony Brown (San Francisco) – Did not play
• Jalen Graham (San Francisco) – Inactive
• Markus Bailey (Cincinnati) – BYE
• Charlie Jones (Cincinnati) – BYE (Injured Reserve)
• Corey Trice (Pittsburgh) – Injured Reserve
• David Blough (Detroit) – Practice Squad
• Dennis Kelly (New York Jets) – Practice Squad