Hokies in the NFL: Keeping Up with the Rookies

Week 1 of the NFL Preseason is in the books and some former Hokies are already making waves with their new teams. Virginia Tech had 7 rookies suit up this weekend for their pro debut, so let's take a look at their performances and the impression they're making on their new coaches and teammates.

Before we get into those guys, there are two former Hokies that did not see action in Week 1. WR Da'Quan Felton did not appear in the Giants preseason opener against Buffalo and DT Josh Fuga has been placed on the Injured Reserve list. That means he'll unfortunately have to wait until 2026 to make his first pro appearance. 

WR Stephen Gosnell

Buffalo Bills

Gosnell led the Hokies in receiving yards in 2024, earning him an undrafted free agent deal with the Buffalo Bills. Gosnell is making the most of his opportunity, as he hauled in 4 catches for 30 yards in the Bill's exhibition against the Giants. He has also impressed his playcaller Joe Brady, already earning quite the nickname 

When Brady was asked about Gosnell, he said "Steve does everything right." Media members in Buffalo are highlighting Gosnell as a sleeper to make the Bill's roster. 

LB Keonta Jenkins

Buffalo Bills

The second of the three Hokie rookies now suiting up in Western New York also had a stand out day on Saturday afternoon. Like Gosnell, Jenkins is trying to make the roster as an undrafted free agent. Against the Giants, Jenkins displayed not only his skill on the field, but his toughness as well. 

Jenkins was injured late in the second quarter with left hand laceration. He got it wrapped up by the Buffalo trainers and did not miss a drive. He returned on the next possession and led the team in tackles with 6, and recorded a quarterback hit. 

WR Jaylin Lane

Washington Commanders

While Lane did not register a big day in the box score during Washington's 48-18 loss to the New England Patriots, he has been shining in practice. 

On Friday, Lane logged just one target as a wide receiver and did not get much room to run as the team's punt returner. Despite the quiet night, the Commanders have confidence in their fourth-round draft choice. GM Adam Peters called Lane the best returner in the draft and one of the top slot receivers. And when you make plays like this, it's easy to see why he earned that praise from his new boss: 

DT Aeneas Peebles

Baltimore Ravens

Peebles brought the Lunch Pail mentality to Baltimore Thursday night during the Ravens' preseason opener against Indianapolis. Peebles was in the backfield all night long, ending the night with 3 tackles and even knocking down a pass at the line of scrimmage on a critical third down. Peebles is competing for a roster spot in a deep and talented Ravens D-line room. 

EDGE Antwaun Powell-Ryland Jr.

Philadelphia Eagles

The former mayor of 'Sacksburg' is now trying to make his mark in the city of brotherly love. APR was picked in the sixth round, adding to a stacked Eagles defense coming off a dominant Superbowl win. Powell-Ryland logged 21 snaps in Philly's win over Cincinnati on Thursday. He did not appear in the stat sheet, but made some nice plays, especially in the run game. 

CB Dorian Strong

Buffalo Bills

Strong was the third cornerback taken by the Bills in the 2025 draft, after first-round pick Maxwell Hairston and 5th rounder Jordan Hancock. But after Hairston was sidelined by an injury early in camp, the Bills defensive coordinator Bobby Babich says Strong will be thrown into the fire. Strong showed some flashes during Buffalo's game against the Giants finishing the day with 2 tackles and a nice PBU. Strong will have to continue to shine to crack a very talented Bills squad. 

RB Bhayshul Tuten

Jacksonville Jaguars

The highest drafted Hokie in last year's draft was also the lone Tech rookie to find the endzone during the opening weekend of preseason action. 

Tuten has been working third in the running back rotation behind incumbents Tank Bigsby and Travis Etienne, but coaches have been complimentary of his work early in camp and new Head Coach Liam Coen is known to use multiple backs in his scheme. Tuten aims to earn a bigger role as the preseason continues. 

As we count down the days to both the NFL and college football seasons, check out the latest from the Sons, including the Two Deep boys diving into the Hokies' ACC slate and my conversation with Billy Ray on all the happenings at Fall Camp.