DJ Moore headlines 6 Maryland rookies entering the NFL preseason

There are six former Maryland Terrapins who are about to embark on their very first journey through an NFL preseason.

DJ Moore headlines the group as Maryland football’s highest draft pick in years. He’s already making highlight plays in camp with the Carolina Panthers. His college-teammate-turned-pro-teammate Jermaine Carter, Jr. is impressing as well, but on defense.

Another pair of college teammates in the same professional organization are Josh Woods and Cavon Walker. Walker faces a tough battle to make the Bears’ 53-man roster on a crowded defensive line, and Woods was out of practice as recently as last Thursday.

Elsewhere, Kingsley Opara is in camp with the Houston Texans and JC Jackson is camping with the New England Patriots. Jackson is battling for a roster spot, while Opara seems like a practice squad candidate in Houston.

This is the most rookie Terps in the NFL since 2004, when 10 hit the league—five were drafted and five signed as undrafted free agents. The most former Maryland players to be NFL rookies in any given year was 1975, when Randy White headlined a group of 13 as the second overall pick.

In other news

Justin Jackson is probably headed for the G-League instead of the Orlando Magic’s roster, as he’s still unsigned and they’ve reached their limits of two two-way players and 15 total roster spots.

ESPN’s preseason BPI rankings came out Monday, and while it’s hard to question the numbers a formula spits out, these were ... questionable. Maryland is No. 38 in the country and No. 8 in the Big Ten.

Another day of the Earth existing means Maryland football got another commit. This time it was from three-star back Jordan Houston. Barring a surprise, this streak will end Tuesday, but it was fun while it lasted.

Defensive Backs Week is officially underway.

Colleen Sorem is Maryland’s new Deputy Athletics Director.