Seattle Seahawks

Which Clemson football rookies will make the final NFL cuts?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The NFL rosters have to be trimmed down to 53 players by 4 p.m. today, so which Clemson football rookies will make their respective teams.

As of Friday, only Zac Brooks has been released by a team. Brooks was drafted in the 7th round by the Seattle Seahawks, and was released on Monday. He suffered a hamstring injury early in camp and saw limited action in two preseason games..

Here are updates on the other remaining active rookies and their chances to stick with their team.

T.J. Green. Green has been listed as a starting safety for the Colts all preseason and is obviously safe from roster cuts.

Nov 14, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive tackle D.J. Reader (48) warms up prior to a game against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Dodd. Dodd is another former Tiger who can rest easy on final cut day. The Tennessee Titans second round pick is carefully working his way back from a foot injury and also learning to play linebacker. In two games, he made 3 solo tackles.

D.J Reader. The Houston Texans have already made the NFL mandated cuts and Reader is currently on the team. He is listed as the backup nose tackle behind veteran Vince Wolfork.

Mackensie Alexander. The Minnesota Vikings 2nd round pick has really been put to the test during the preseason and has played well enough to garner a roster spot. Alexander had 2 interceptions and 4 pass deflections in the four games. Although he won’t start, he will see time at nickel and corner.

Jayron Kearse. Most 7th round picks usually aren’t first year starters, but Kearse is definitely trending in that direction. Before the season is over, he could eventually be the starting safety opposite Harrison Smith.

His spot on the team is secure and the Vikings fans have enjoyed watching him play this preseason.

B.J. Goodson. The New York Giants have loved the energy of their 4th round selection, and they will decide today if he deserves to be on the 53 man roster. Before suffering a concussion against the Jets and missing the last game, Goodson led the team in tackles. He was also on his way to be the third team MIKE linebacker and a special teams player. With the injury and his absence from the last game, Goodson will now wait anxiously to see if he makes the cut.

Charone Peake. Peake like Kearse has not performed like a seventh round draft pick. After having a slow start, he has been gallant throughout the last part of Jets camp. Even though he has 10 catches and a touchdown for the preseason, competition from two fellow rookies has put his roster status in jeopardy.

Free agents Robby Anderson(Temple) and Jalin Marshall(Ohio State) have had good camps too and are Peake’s main threats to his positon on the final roster. Marshall’s return skills make him a more attractive prospect and Anderson has emerged as a dangerous and speedy playmaker.

Peake and Marshall have also been auditioning as gunners on special teams to help them make the team.

If Peake and Goodson don’t make the 53 man rosters, they could be added to the practice squad, traded, or even signed by another team. In my opinion, Goodson stays with the Giants and Peake, Anderson, and Marshall are selected over a few Jets veteran receivers.