Two former Jackets make NFL rosters as rookies

The 2015 NFL season kicks off on Thursday, and two former Georgia Tech players will be on the sidelines as rookies in Week 1.

Shaq Mason, who was a second-team All-ACC selection as an offensive guard in 2014, made the New England Patriots’ 53-man roster, and wide receiver Darren Waller made the final cut for the Baltimore Ravens.

In addition, DeAndre Smelter has been placed on the reserve/non-football injury list for the San Francisco 49ers as he recovers from a torn ACL, meaning he won’t be able to return to the field until at least Week 7. Former Tech safety Isaiah Johnson was cut by the Detroit Lions and signed to the practice squad, while running back Zach Laskey was signed to St. Louis’ practice squad after he was cut by the Rams.