Several players gained the eye of the NFL scouts last year and are still in the mix for a potential roster spot later this week. The NE-10 has been making strides in the eyes of the NFL and it shows as more scouts are visiting campuses than ever. Merrimack even held a pro day in the spring to help its seniors gain exposure.

Here is a quick summary of the players signed in the off-season:

Merrimack LB Shawn Loiseau

Loiseau was signed to a free agent contract with the Houston Texans on May 14. He was invited to camp and made it past the first cut of training camp today. He is one of 75 players left with the Texans right now. He has seen time in each of the preseason games, making a couple of tackles in each of them. His final shot to earn a roster spot will be Thursday night when the Minnesota Vikings travel south to Houston.

Southern Connecticut DL Ikponmwosa Igbinosun

Igbinosun was signed on April 30 with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He also survived the first cut of training camp with the Steelers and is one of 75 players left on the roster. He is listed third on the depth chart at the left defensive end on their website. He has seen limited playing time in the preseason and has one final chance to impress the coaching staff as the Steelers host the Carolina Panthers Thursday night.

St. Anselm WR Marc Wilson

Wilson was signed by the Arizona Cardinals on April 30th. Unfortunately, he was cut on May 24th and didn't have a chance to compete for a roster spot in the preseason.

Bentley OL Mackenzy Bernadeau

Bernadeau was drafted by Carolina in 2008 and saw playing time in each of the last three years. He signed a four-year deal with the Cowboys in March. He is listed as the top right guard in the depth chart for Dallas. He started all three preseason games and seems to be the starter heading into the season opener on September 5th.

It appears to be a long shot for Loiseau and Igbinosun to make the active roster of their respective teams when the rosters are reduced to 53 this Friday night. But there is a good shot that they can make the practice squad team and continue to impress the coaching staff for a future shot.