Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – As the 2025 NFL season continues to roll into the winter months, it’s no surprise that former Hokies are making their mark. Those who once wore maroon and orange are excelling in all three phases of the game, contributing in ways both big and small over the course of each week’s matchups. In this edition of NFL Hokies, we recap the past two weeks of exciting action, looking at stat lines from the first play to the final whistle.
Jaylin Lane – Wide Receiver, Washington Commanders
After being drafted No. 128 overall in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, wideout Jaylin Lane has been a consistent contributor for the Washington Commanders in his rookie year. Over the past two weeks, the former three-star recruit (247Sports) has tallied four catches for 60 yards, including a 35-yard reception early in the second quarter during the Week 7 contest against the Dallas Cowboys.
Lane’s big play ability has put the league on notice through eight games. Per Pro Football Focus, Lane’s receiving grade for passes of 20 or more yards stands at an impressive 95.8, signifying that the wideout can turn the tide of close games with large offensive gains.
Lane will join the Commanders as they host the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday Night Football in Week 9.
Chamarri Conner – Safety, Kansas City Chiefs
A high-powered tackle machine, Kansas City safety Chamarri Conner has been a key contributor to the Chiefs’ defense. Over the last pair of matchups, the Super Bowl champion has tallied 12 tackles (6 solo), including a 10-tackle performance in the win against the Commanders in Week 8.
Through eight games, Conner’s 63 tackles (35 solo) lead a Chiefs defense that has allowed just 16.4 points per game to opponents in 2025. For his efforts in 2025, the former ACC Defensive Back of the Week (Sept. 7, 2021) retains a 78.4 coverage grade and a 79.6 run defense grade on the season.
Parker Romo – Kicker, Atlanta Falcons
Lacing up his cleats for the Atlanta Falcons in 2025, kicker Parker Romo has come up clutch for the Georgia-based team in multiple instances this season.
In the past two weeks alone, the former All-ACC Third Team (PFF College) kicker sent two field goals through the uprights from 45 and 38 yards. While the Falcons have lost two of their last three, Romo’s kicking accuracy improved to 85.7% in kicks from 30 to 39 yards.
The Falcons will be on the road at Gilette Stadium as they face the New England Patriots in Week 9.
Tremaine Edmunds – Linebacker, Chicago Bears
Bears linebacker Tremaine Edmunds continued what has already been a stellar season in Weeks 7 and 8. Behind his 6-foot-4, 251-pound frame, the veteran’s eight years of experience have paid major dividends in 2025.
Week 7 saw the former First Team All-ACC linebacker post nine total tackles (six solo), a sack, and a tackle for loss in a 26-14 win against the New Orleans Saints. The following week’s three tackles (two solo) and pass deflection fell just short in a 30-16 loss against the Baltimore Ravens.
Edmunds’ 64 tackles stand far and away at the top of the Bears defense, with teammate Kevin Byard coming in second with 37. The former Butkus Award finalist’s 80.8 run defense season grade per PFF stands as the highest of his career thus far.
Notable Week 9 Matchups
Jacksonville Jaguars at Las Vegas Raiders: Sunday, Nov. 2 at 4:05 p.m. ET on FOX
The Jaguars will be across the country during their Week 9 contest, as they are scheduled to face off against a Las Vegas Raiders team that has lost four of their last five. Both Jacksonville and Las Vegas were two of six teams who had their bye week in the eighth week of the season, allowing both squads to be rested ahead of their contest later this weekend. Rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten, who was drafted in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, is expected to play.
Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills: Sunday, Nov. 2 at 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS
Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs will be on the road this week as they travel to upstate New York for their game against the Buffalo Bills. The two teams have shared a tense history in the most recent matchups, as the head-to-head contest has been seen in last year’s AFC Championship Game and the 2024 AFC Divisional Round. While it hasn’t been announced if Bills rookie cornerback Dorian Strong will suit up for Sunday’s game, Hokie fans can expect to see Chiefs safety Chamarri Conner in action once again.