The 4 most likely former Sun Devils to play in next year's Super Bowl

It’s been less than 72 hours since the Los Angeles Rams won the Super Bowl. The only Rams player with an association to ASU is L.A. quarterback Bryce Perkins, who didn’t even graduate as a Sun Devil.

With next season’s Super Bowl taking place in Arizona, could any former ASU football players find themselves back in town for the big game? I ranked which former Sun Devils in the NFL are most likely to play in next year’s Super Bowl.

1. Matt Haack (Buffalo Bills punter)

Haack may not be the flashiest name on this list, but he is a part of the best team. The Buffalo Bills could have been in this year’s Super Bowl if it weren’t for the NFL’s questionable overtime rules.

Haack punted just 52 times last season, in large part due to Buffalo’s offense. With such a limited number of punts, Haack averaged his worst yards-per-punt in his five-year career.

However, Haack did his job in terms of pinning opposing offenses deep on their own side of the field, allowing Buffalo’s defense to feast. With the Bills’ set to retain several key players, and likely add to the mix, it’s no surprise that Haack is at the top of this list.

2. Renell Wren (Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman)

Who dey? Renell Wren and the Cincinnati Bengals were a little less than three minutes away from bringing home the franchise’s first Super Bowl victory. There’s no real reason to think this team doesn’t return to top form.

The Bengals’ offense speaks for itself between the duo of quarterback Joe Burrow and wideout Ja’Marr Chase. Not to mention, those guys get a full offseason to grow their connection. It’s the defense and the offensive line that leave much to be desired.

In terms of the Bengals playing in next year’s Super Bowl, it likely won’t come off Wren dominating on defense. In 2021, he played in just one game for Cincy.

3. Brandon Aiyuk (San Francisco 49ers wide receiver) 

Brandon Aiyuk is the guy on this list who contributes the most to his team’s success. In 2021, Aiyuk racked up 56 receptions, 826 receiving yards and five touchdowns.

The only aspect of the San Francisco 49ers roster that puts them this far down on the list is the questions at quarterback. Evidently, Aiyuk will find ways to be productive no matter who is slinging it for the 49ers.

But is Jimmy Garoppolo’s time in the Bay up? If so, is Trey Lance really ready to lead this team? All valid questions that can’t and won’t be answered for months.

4. Eno Benjamin (Arizona Cardinals running back)

If recent history repeats itself, then Benjamin and the Arizona Cardinals should be at the top of this list. For two consecutive years, the home city’s team has played in the Super Bowl.

If the Cards find themselves playing in the Super Bowl next season, Benjamin could prove to be a big factor with the team still needing to make several contract decisions, including running back James Conner. Benjamin showed clear signs of improvement last season with the team as he rushed 34 times for 118 yards and one score.

However, Benjamin and the Cardinals need to figure out how to play a full season if they hope to play at home in February next year.

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