The full slate of NFL preseason games is on the horizon, and there are plenty of Illinois football names lurking.
One of the most intriguing names to watch is Luke Altmyer. The former Illini went undrafted despite working wonders in Champaign.
Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions saw potential in Altmyer, and they signed him after the draft. This got the foot in the door for the three-year starter. Now, the tricky part comes. Sticking in the NFL.
Thankfully, another former Illinois quarterback has already laid out the blueprint for Altmyer.
Just three years ago, Tommy DeVito went undrafted. He would later sign on with the New York Giants, but he had two veteran quarterbacks in front of him. A sure-fire starter in Daniel Jones, and a reliable backup in Tyrod Taylor.
That isn’t too dissimilar to the situation Altmyer finds himself in heading into the first preseason game. He has Jared Goff, a sure-fire starter, in front of him. The Lions also signed a reliable veteran backup in Joshua Dobbs just days ago.
DeVito was clearly on the outside looking in when it came to the quarterback competition and potentially making the 52-man roster. That is where Altmyer stands today.
In the first preseason action that DeVito experienced, he took advantage of his time on the field. He relieved Taylor after one series and threw for 155 yards, one touchdown, and one interception on 62.5% completion.
Weirdly enough, that first preseason game, it was against the Lions.
Tommy DeVito played his butt off in the preseason, and it should give Luke Altmyer hope of making the Detroit Lions roster
DeVito wasn’t done with just one solid performance in the preseason. In the third game against the New York Jets, he went off once again.
The Giants fell to the Jets, but DeVito finished the game with 210 yards, one touchdown, and one interception on 65.5% completion.
With the solid preseason play, the Giants gained trust in DeVito. He fought through the adversity and ended up playing in nine games and starting six contests in his rookie year. He threw for 1,101 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions.
The blueprint for Altmyer is patience. Go out there and play well, and everything will fall into place. You don’t need to be in the top two on the depth chart right now.
Having a 31-year-old backup who barely has more touchdowns than interceptions isn’t too appealing. On the other hand, a young quarterback who flashes potential in the preseason is something NFL teams would love to hold on to.
DeVito is not with the Giants anymore. His play in the preseason to start his career helped earn him a spot on the Giants. His play in the regular season with New York caught the eye of other NFL teams. Now, DeVito has signed a two-year, $7.4 million contract with the New England Patriots.
The blueprint is all there. Altmyer will have a chance to start this NFL career much like DeVito, in the preseason. Play well in this limited action, and so many doors will open up.
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