Marshall in the NFL: 2013 Training Camp Preview

Training Camp opens this week with 11 former Marshall players dotting NFL rosters. Here is a look at the Thundering Herd’s NFL alumni as they head into camp.

1. Daniel Baldridge, Offensive Tackle, Tennessee Titans

Looking to improve an offensive line that surrendered 39 sacks last season, the Tennessee Titans signed a number of veterans in the offseason and used their first round pick on Alabama guard Chance Warmack. With the new additions Daniel Baldridge faces long odds of making the 53-man roster. Baldridge joined the Titans after being signed off the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad late last season.

2. Ahmad Bradshaw, Running Back, Indianapolis Colts

A career New York Giant, Ahmad Bradshaw was cut this offseason after rushing for 1,015 yards and six touchdowns in 2012. Bradshaw signed a one year, $1.1 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts in June. He will compete with incumbent running backs Donald Brown and Vic Ballard for the starting job in Indy.

Bradshaw will start training camp on the physically unable to perform list while recovering from foot surgery.

3. Omar Brown, Safety, Baltimore Ravens

Arriving as a rookie free agent last year, Omar Brown earned a spot on the Ravens practice squad and was activated to the 53-man roster for Baltimore’s final three regular season games, recording three tackles and a sack. With the departure of Pro Bowl safety Ed Reed, Brown figures to backup starting free safety Michael Huff and play a big role on special teams during the upcoming season.

4. Vinny Curry, Defensive End, Philadelphia Eagles

Vinny Curry re-worked his body this offseason, bulking up to 280 pounds in order to play defensive end in the Philadelphia Eagles new 3-4 defense. Change might be good for Curry as he only appeared in 89 plays during his rookie season, registering nine tackles. During organized team activates this summer Curry was running with Philadelphia’s second team defense.

5. Aaron Dobson, Wide Receiver, New England Patriots

Marshall’s newest addition to the NFL, Aaron Dobson was selected in the second round of this April’s draft. Dobson could play a big role for the New England as the Patriots don’t return a wide receiver that recorded over 300 receiving yards in 2012. According to reports Dobson will be given every opportunity to earn a starting job during training camp.

6. Mario Harvey, Linebacker, Indianapolis Colts

Signed as a free agent last offseason Mario Harvey appeared in 13 games for the Indianapolis Colts in 2012, recording  12 tackles primarily on special teams. Heading into training camp Colts prognosticators see Harvey fighting for the fifth and final roster spot at inside linebacker with C.O. Prime and Scott Lutrus.

7. Johnny Jones, Defensive Tackle, Oakland Raiders

After spending 2011 on the Green Bay Packers  practice squad and the subsequent season on injured reserve, Johnny Jones was signed by the Oakland Raiders in January. Oakland is carrying six interior defensive lineman into training camp including returning starters Pat Sims and Vance Walker.

8. Albert McClellan, Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens

Fully recovered from offseason shoulder surgery Albert McClellan looks to be one hundred percent heading into Ravens training camp. After appearing in 14 games and registering 49 tackles in 2012, McClellan will be fighting for an expanded role at inside linebacker this season with the retirement of future Hall of Famer Ray Lewis.

9. Doug Legursky, Guard/Center, Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills signed Doug Legursky to a four year contract this offseason. In Buffalo he will have an opportunity to earn the starting job at left guard. The former undrafted free agent is also expected to compete for snaps at second team center.

10. Lee Smith, Tight End, Buffalo Bills

Coming off a season where he caught his first two NFL touchdown passes, Bills tight end Lee Smith will be fighting to maintain his roster spot during training camp. Behind starter Scott Chandler, Buffalo is bringing four other tight ends into camp competing for just two spots. They include Smith, 7^th round draft pick Chris Gragg and fellow veterans Dorin Dickerson and Mike Caussin.

11. C.J. Spillman, Safety, San Francisco 49ers

One of the NFL’s standout special team players, C.J. Spillman has an opportunity to earn first team reps at safety during 49ers training camp. He will compete with 1^st round draft choice Eric Reid to replace departed All-Pro safety Dashon Goldson in San Francisco’s secondary.