WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – As the 2023-24 NFL season concludes with Super Bowl LVII, featuring a pair of Pro Boilermakers in Jalen Graham (San Francisco 49ers) and George Karlaftis (Kansas City Chiefs), Purdue Football takes great pride in celebrating the achievements of its alumni who have made a significant impact on the big stage. This season, the Pro Boilers showcased their talent and dedication, contributing to the success of their respective teams throughout the season. Here's a recap of the standout performances by Purdue's finest in the NFL.
Raheem Mostert (Miami Dolphins – Running Back)
In a league that often sees young stars emerging, Raheem Mostert made sure to prove everyone wrong in his ninth NFL season. At age 31, Mostert had his first 1,000-yard rushing season while leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns with 18 and tying Christian McCaffery for the total touchdown title with 21. Mostert was recently named to his first Pro Bowl and is a finalist for the 2023 FedEx Ground Player of the Year at the NFL Honors Ceremony.
Mostert set a new Dolphins franchise record for rushing touchdowns, passing Ricky Williams' 16 touchdowns set in 2002. He also set a new Dolphins total touchdown record, passing another Miami legend Mark Clayton's 18 set in 1984. In Week 14, Mostert passed Jerry Rice for the most touchdowns in a season for a player at least 31-years old over the past four decades. Mostert's contributions not only elevated the Miami Dolphins' performance but also inspired fans, teammates, and football enthusiasts alike. His dedication, speed, and ability to find the end zone have proven that age is just a number, and greatness knows no bounds.
Final Stats
16 Games Played
209 Rushing Attempts
1,012 Rushing Yards
4.8 Yards per Carry
18 Rushing Touchdowns
25 Receptions
175 Receiving Yards
3 Receiving Touchdowns
4 Fumbles, 1 Lost
1st Pro Bowl Selection
George Karlaftis (Kansas City Chiefs – Defensive End)
In just his second season, Kansas City Chiefs' defensive end George Karlaftis exploded onto the NFL scene. Furious George showcased his prowess throughout the season, finishing 16th in sacks, tied with teammate and all-pro defensive tackle Chris Jones. Karlaftis has also played a major factor in the Chiefs' historical playoff run, racking up 14 total tackles, eight solo tackles, 2.5 sacks and one fumble recovery through three postseason games. He'll plan to continue his terror as the Chiefs head to Las Vegas to take on the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII (Feb. 11), looking to win his second Super Bowl in as many seasons in the league.
Final Stats
16 Games Played
45 Total Tackles
28 Solo Tackles
10.5 Sacks for a loss of 50.5 yards
7 Tackles-for-Loss
3 Passes Defended
1 Forced Fumble
17 Quarterback Hits
Aidan O'Connell (Las Vegas Raiders – Quarterback)
In the bright lights of Las Vegas, a new star emerged on the football stage in the form of rookie quarterback Aidan O'Connell. After being selected 135th overall as the eighth quarterback taken in the 2023 NFL Draft, O'Connell found his way on the field in Week 4 after Raiders starter Jimmy Garoppolo went down with a concussion. The rookie showed great poise and leadership that eventually led him to take over as the starting quarterback for the Raiders in Week 9 and remain in that position for the rest of the season. The Raiders started the season 3-5 and finished 5-4 after O'Connell took over as the starting quarterback for an overall record of 8-9. The rookie had six games with over 225 passing yards and finished second among rookie quarterbacks in passing touchdowns with 12 total. His 2,218 passing yards passed two-time Super Bowl winner and Hall of Famer Bob Griese for most yards by a rookie quarterback from Purdue. It's safe to say has quickly adapted to the rigors of the NFL, showcasing resilience and potential.
Final Stats
11 Games Played
213-of-343 for 2,218 yards
62.1 Completion Percentage
12 Passing Touchdowns
7 Interceptions
83.9 Passer Rating
1 Rushing Touchdown
David Bell (Cleveland Browns – Wide Receiver)
After recording six receptions through the first 13 weeks, David Bell quickly picked things up after scoring his first career touchdown in Week 14 on a 41-yard bomb from Joe Flacco. The second-year receiver climbed the depth chart as the season progressed, bringing in 10 receptions for 134 yards and three touchdowns over the final six games. In a breakout Week 16 performance against the in-state rival Cincinnati Bengals, Bell made four receptions on four targets for 68 yards and two touchdowns. This gave Bell a new career high in receiving yards while recording both of Cleveland's touchdowns in the game. He continued his hot streak into the first round of the playoffs, catching all eight of his targets for 54 yards. Bell began to become one of Flacco's favorite targets and looks to continue to develop as a weapon for the Browns for the 2024 season.
Final Stats
15 Games Played
14 Receptions
167 Receiving Yards
3 Touchdowns
Ja'Whaun Bentley (New England Patriots – Linebacker)
In his sixth NFL season, Ja'Whaun Bentley continued to be a force in New England. Bentley's leadership qualities became evident throughout the season as the captain of the Patriots defense. The Pro Boiler led New England in tackles in five games throughout the season. By forcing crucial fourth down stops and racking up a career-high 4.5 sacks and three passes defended, Bentley has proven himself as a defensive monster, leaving fans eager for more in 2024.
Final Stats
16 Games Played
114 Total Tackles
55 Solo Tackles
4.5 Sacks
3 Passes Defended
10 Quarterback hits
3 Tackles-for-Loss
1 Forced Fumble
Derrick Barnes (Detroit Lions – Linebacker)
Derrick Barnes found his way into the starting lineup for the Lions for the first time this season and hit the ground running. The third-year Pro Boiler had his highest total tackle season and his first forced fumble. He recorded his first career interception in the fourth quarter of their Divisional Round matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to seal the game and send the Lions to the NFC Championship.
Final Stats
16 Games Played
80 Total Tackles
42 Solo Tackles
1 Sack
1 Forced Fumble
1 Interception (Postseason)
Rondale Moore (Arizona Cardinals – Wide Receiver)
Rondale Moore recorded another speedy season for the Cardinals, playing all 17 games for the first time in his career. Unexpectedly, Moore broke out in the run game for Arizona early on this season as he exploded for two 50-yard rushing games in three weeks and led the Cardinals in rushing in Week 5. Moore finished the season ranked sixth in wide receiver rate of getting open versus single man coverage, getting open on 47 percent of single man snaps this season.
Final Stats
17 Games Played
40 Receptions
352 Receiving Yards
1 Receiving Touchdown
28 Rushing Attempts
187 Rushing Yards
1 Rushing Touchdown
Payne Durham (Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Tight End)
Drafted 171st overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Buccaneers rookie tight end Payne Durham began to see action and showcase his skills late in the season. Durham saw his first action in Week 6 against the Detroit Lions, when he brought an eight-yard reception for his first career catch. The rookie sat behind second-year tight end Cade Otton most of the season but got the start in two of 11 games played. Durham saw most of his action converting big first downs and making a few big gains, one being an 18-yard first down reception in the Buccaneers' Wild Card round win vs. Philadelphia.
Final Stats
11 Games Played
5 Receptions
58 Receiving Yards
Charlie Jones (Cincinnati Bengals – Wide Receiver/Punt Returner)
After leading the nation in receptions and breaking the Purdue receiving yards record, Charlie Jones was selected 131st in the 2023 NFL draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. Chuck Sizzle immediately became the Bengals punt return specialist, finishing his rookie season with 248 return yards and ranking Top 20 in Bengals franchise history. In just the second game of his career, Jones erupted for an 81-yard punt return touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens. Jones was put on the injured reserve for five weeks after Week 3 and began to pick up more receiving work late in the season. The rookie finished out the season strong, hauling in all three targets for a career-high 49 yards.
Final Stats
11 Games Played (5 weeks on IR)
23 Punt Returns
248 Return Yards
1 Punt Return Touchdown
7 Receptions
64 Receiving Yards
2 Rushing Attempts
13 Rushing Yards
Brycen Hopkins (Los Angeles Rams – Tight End)
In his third NFL season, Brycen Hopkins played in a career-high 15 games. While being listed as the third-string tight end for the Rams, Hopkins split most of his playing time between offense and special teams. The Pro Boiler recorded a season-high 47 receiving yards on two receptions in a Week 18 win against the San Francisco 49ers.
Final Stats
15 Games Played
5 Receptions
78 Receiving Yards
Markus Bailey (Cincinnati Bengals – Linebacker)
A seventh-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Bailey has fit into a key role on the Bengals special teams. Bailey saw action in all 17 games, recording 3 total tackles on defense and seven on special teams.
Final Stats
17 Games Played
10 Total Tackles
6 Solo Tackles
Jalen Graham (San Francisco 49ers – Linebacker)
Selected 255th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Jalen Graham didn't see much action this season despite being on the active roster. The rookie played in one game and recorded one solo tackle. However, Graham will have a chance to win a Super Bowl in his rookie season, heading to Las Vegas next weekend as his 49ers take on the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII.
Finals Stats
1 Game Played
1 Solo Tackle
Super Bowl Bound
Reese Taylor (Denver Broncos - Cornerback) – Practice Squad
After being signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent, Reese Taylor made an impact in the preseason by racking up six total tackles, four solo, and one quarterback hit. Taylor was released by the Chiefs before the season opener before getting picked up by the Denver Broncos in Week 10. The Pro Boiler has been on the Denver practice squad ever since.
Anthony Brown (New York Jets - Cornerback) – Practice Squad
After seven seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, Anthony Brown found himself a spot on the Pittsburg Steelers' and New York Jets' practice squads throughout the season.
Jordan Roos (Tennessee Titans – Offensive Guard) – Practice Squad
After becoming an undrafted free agent in the 2017, Jordan Roos has bounced around a few teams and wound up re-signing with the Tennessee Titans early on this season for their practice squad.
Tyler Coyle (Green Bay Packers - Safety) – Practice Squad
While starting the season with the Dallas Cowboys, Tyler Coyle signed with the Green Bay Packers' practice squad in January.
Dennis Kelly (New York Jets – Offensive Tackle) – Practice Squad
In his 11th season, veteran lineman Dennis Kelly found a spot on the New York Jets' practice squad and even saw some action on special teams in Week 10.
Zander Horvath (Los Angeles Chargers- Fullback) – Practice Squad
Horvath was released by the Chargers early on this season after playing 15 games and scoring two touchdowns in 2022. He was picked up by the Steelers briefly and then eventually re-signed to the Chargers' practice squad.
Cory Trice (Pittsburgh Steelers - Cornerback) – Injured Reserve
A seventh-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Cory Trice's debut was put on hold before the season even started. The rookie found his way onto the injured reserve for the entire season after suffering a torn ACL during training camp.
Raheem Mostert (Miami Dolphins – Running Back)
In a league that often sees young stars emerging, Raheem Mostert made sure to prove everyone wrong in his ninth NFL season. At age 31, Mostert had his first 1,000-yard rushing season while leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns with 18 and tying Christian McCaffery for the total touchdown title with 21. Mostert was recently named to his first Pro Bowl and is a finalist for the 2023 FedEx Ground Player of the Year at the NFL Honors Ceremony.
Mostert set a new Dolphins franchise record for rushing touchdowns, passing Ricky Williams' 16 touchdowns set in 2002. He also set a new Dolphins total touchdown record, passing another Miami legend Mark Clayton's 18 set in 1984. In Week 14, Mostert passed Jerry Rice for the most touchdowns in a season for a player at least 31-years old over the past four decades. Mostert's contributions not only elevated the Miami Dolphins' performance but also inspired fans, teammates, and football enthusiasts alike. His dedication, speed, and ability to find the end zone have proven that age is just a number, and greatness knows no bounds.
Final Stats
16 Games Played
209 Rushing Attempts
1,012 Rushing Yards
4.8 Yards per Carry
18 Rushing Touchdowns
25 Receptions
175 Receiving Yards
3 Receiving Touchdowns
4 Fumbles, 1 Lost
1st Pro Bowl Selection
George Karlaftis (Kansas City Chiefs – Defensive End)
In just his second season, Kansas City Chiefs' defensive end George Karlaftis exploded onto the NFL scene. Furious George showcased his prowess throughout the season, finishing 16th in sacks, tied with teammate and all-pro defensive tackle Chris Jones. Karlaftis has also played a major factor in the Chiefs' historical playoff run, racking up 14 total tackles, eight solo tackles, 2.5 sacks and one fumble recovery through three postseason games. He'll plan to continue his terror as the Chiefs head to Las Vegas to take on the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII (Feb. 11), looking to win his second Super Bowl in as many seasons in the league.
Final Stats
16 Games Played
45 Total Tackles
28 Solo Tackles
10.5 Sacks for a loss of 50.5 yards
7 Tackles-for-Loss
3 Passes Defended
1 Forced Fumble
17 Quarterback Hits
Aidan O'Connell (Las Vegas Raiders – Quarterback)
In the bright lights of Las Vegas, a new star emerged on the football stage in the form of rookie quarterback Aidan O'Connell. After being selected 135th overall as the eighth quarterback taken in the 2023 NFL Draft, O'Connell found his way on the field in Week 4 after Raiders starter Jimmy Garoppolo went down with a concussion. The rookie showed great poise and leadership that eventually led him to take over as the starting quarterback for the Raiders in Week 9 and remain in that position for the rest of the season. The Raiders started the season 3-5 and finished 5-4 after O'Connell took over as the starting quarterback for an overall record of 8-9. The rookie had six games with over 225 passing yards and finished second among rookie quarterbacks in passing touchdowns with 12 total. His 2,218 passing yards passed two-time Super Bowl winner and Hall of Famer Bob Griese for most yards by a rookie quarterback from Purdue. It's safe to say has quickly adapted to the rigors of the NFL, showcasing resilience and potential.
Final Stats
11 Games Played
213-of-343 for 2,218 yards
62.1 Completion Percentage
12 Passing Touchdowns
7 Interceptions
83.9 Passer Rating
1 Rushing Touchdown
David Bell (Cleveland Browns – Wide Receiver)
After recording six receptions through the first 13 weeks, David Bell quickly picked things up after scoring his first career touchdown in Week 14 on a 41-yard bomb from Joe Flacco. The second-year receiver climbed the depth chart as the season progressed, bringing in 10 receptions for 134 yards and three touchdowns over the final six games. In a breakout Week 16 performance against the in-state rival Cincinnati Bengals, Bell made four receptions on four targets for 68 yards and two touchdowns. This gave Bell a new career high in receiving yards while recording both of Cleveland's touchdowns in the game. He continued his hot streak into the first round of the playoffs, catching all eight of his targets for 54 yards. Bell began to become one of Flacco's favorite targets and looks to continue to develop as a weapon for the Browns for the 2024 season.
Final Stats
15 Games Played
14 Receptions
167 Receiving Yards
3 Touchdowns
Ja'Whaun Bentley (New England Patriots – Linebacker)
In his sixth NFL season, Ja'Whaun Bentley continued to be a force in New England. Bentley's leadership qualities became evident throughout the season as the captain of the Patriots defense. The Pro Boiler led New England in tackles in five games throughout the season. By forcing crucial fourth down stops and racking up a career-high 4.5 sacks and three passes defended, Bentley has proven himself as a defensive monster, leaving fans eager for more in 2024.
Final Stats
16 Games Played
114 Total Tackles
55 Solo Tackles
4.5 Sacks
3 Passes Defended
10 Quarterback hits
3 Tackles-for-Loss
1 Forced Fumble
Derrick Barnes (Detroit Lions – Linebacker)
Derrick Barnes found his way into the starting lineup for the Lions for the first time this season and hit the ground running. The third-year Pro Boiler had his highest total tackle season and his first forced fumble. He recorded his first career interception in the fourth quarter of their Divisional Round matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to seal the game and send the Lions to the NFC Championship.
Final Stats
16 Games Played
80 Total Tackles
42 Solo Tackles
1 Sack
1 Forced Fumble
1 Interception (Postseason)
Rondale Moore (Arizona Cardinals – Wide Receiver)
Rondale Moore recorded another speedy season for the Cardinals, playing all 17 games for the first time in his career. Unexpectedly, Moore broke out in the run game for Arizona early on this season as he exploded for two 50-yard rushing games in three weeks and led the Cardinals in rushing in Week 5. Moore finished the season ranked sixth in wide receiver rate of getting open versus single man coverage, getting open on 47 percent of single man snaps this season.
Final Stats
17 Games Played
40 Receptions
352 Receiving Yards
1 Receiving Touchdown
28 Rushing Attempts
187 Rushing Yards
1 Rushing Touchdown
Payne Durham (Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Tight End)
Drafted 171st overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Buccaneers rookie tight end Payne Durham began to see action and showcase his skills late in the season. Durham saw his first action in Week 6 against the Detroit Lions, when he brought an eight-yard reception for his first career catch. The rookie sat behind second-year tight end Cade Otton most of the season but got the start in two of 11 games played. Durham saw most of his action converting big first downs and making a few big gains, one being an 18-yard first down reception in the Buccaneers' Wild Card round win vs. Philadelphia.
Final Stats
11 Games Played
5 Receptions
58 Receiving Yards
Charlie Jones (Cincinnati Bengals – Wide Receiver/Punt Returner)
After leading the nation in receptions and breaking the Purdue receiving yards record, Charlie Jones was selected 131st in the 2023 NFL draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. Chuck Sizzle immediately became the Bengals punt return specialist, finishing his rookie season with 248 return yards and ranking Top 20 in Bengals franchise history. In just the second game of his career, Jones erupted for an 81-yard punt return touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens. Jones was put on the injured reserve for five weeks after Week 3 and began to pick up more receiving work late in the season. The rookie finished out the season strong, hauling in all three targets for a career-high 49 yards.
Final Stats
11 Games Played (5 weeks on IR)
23 Punt Returns
248 Return Yards
1 Punt Return Touchdown
7 Receptions
64 Receiving Yards
2 Rushing Attempts
13 Rushing Yards
Brycen Hopkins (Los Angeles Rams – Tight End)
In his third NFL season, Brycen Hopkins played in a career-high 15 games. While being listed as the third-string tight end for the Rams, Hopkins split most of his playing time between offense and special teams. The Pro Boiler recorded a season-high 47 receiving yards on two receptions in a Week 18 win against the San Francisco 49ers.
Final Stats
15 Games Played
5 Receptions
78 Receiving Yards
Markus Bailey (Cincinnati Bengals – Linebacker)
A seventh-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Bailey has fit into a key role on the Bengals special teams. Bailey saw action in all 17 games, recording 3 total tackles on defense and seven on special teams.
Final Stats
17 Games Played
10 Total Tackles
6 Solo Tackles
Jalen Graham (San Francisco 49ers – Linebacker)
Selected 255th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Jalen Graham didn't see much action this season despite being on the active roster. The rookie played in one game and recorded one solo tackle. However, Graham will have a chance to win a Super Bowl in his rookie season, heading to Las Vegas next weekend as his 49ers take on the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII.
Finals Stats
1 Game Played
1 Solo Tackle
Super Bowl Bound
Reese Taylor (Denver Broncos - Cornerback) – Practice Squad
After being signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent, Reese Taylor made an impact in the preseason by racking up six total tackles, four solo, and one quarterback hit. Taylor was released by the Chiefs before the season opener before getting picked up by the Denver Broncos in Week 10. The Pro Boiler has been on the Denver practice squad ever since.
Anthony Brown (New York Jets - Cornerback) – Practice Squad
After seven seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, Anthony Brown found himself a spot on the Pittsburg Steelers' and New York Jets' practice squads throughout the season.
Jordan Roos (Tennessee Titans – Offensive Guard) – Practice Squad
After becoming an undrafted free agent in the 2017, Jordan Roos has bounced around a few teams and wound up re-signing with the Tennessee Titans early on this season for their practice squad.
Tyler Coyle (Green Bay Packers - Safety) – Practice Squad
While starting the season with the Dallas Cowboys, Tyler Coyle signed with the Green Bay Packers' practice squad in January.
Dennis Kelly (New York Jets – Offensive Tackle) – Practice Squad
In his 11th season, veteran lineman Dennis Kelly found a spot on the New York Jets' practice squad and even saw some action on special teams in Week 10.
Zander Horvath (Los Angeles Chargers- Fullback) – Practice Squad
Horvath was released by the Chargers early on this season after playing 15 games and scoring two touchdowns in 2022. He was picked up by the Steelers briefly and then eventually re-signed to the Chargers' practice squad.
Cory Trice (Pittsburgh Steelers - Cornerback) – Injured Reserve
A seventh-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Cory Trice's debut was put on hold before the season even started. The rookie found his way onto the injured reserve for the entire season after suffering a torn ACL during training camp.