Former Wisconsin linebacker among PFF's highest-graded rookies from NFL preseason Week 1

Former Wisconsin linebacker Maema Njongmeta was the third-highest graded rookie from Week 1 of the 2024 NFL preseason, according to ProFootballFocus.

Njongmeta recorded a 91.5 overall grade during the Cincinnati Bengals’ 17-14 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Aug. 10. Only Indianapolis Colts’ cornerback Micah Abraham (92.2) and New Orleans Saints cornerback Rico Payton (91.7) graded higher.

The undrafted free-agent linebacker and former third-team All-Big Ten member registered 10 tackles, a quarterback hurry and a batted pass in the losing effort.

Njongmeta’s performance could serve as a sign for things to come for the former Badger during his first season in NFL threads. Although he currently slots behind Logan Wilson, Joe Bachie and Shaka Hayward on Cincinnati’s middle linebacker depth chart, he still has two weeks to earn a position on the Bengals’ 53-man depth chart.

Another head-turning performance against the Chicago Bears on Aug. 17 could vault him into contention for a final roster spot.

Njongmeta played in 26 games at UW during his final two seasons in Madison and flashed his defensive prowess with 154 tackles from 2022-23.