Newest Knights in the NFL

Every year, the best players from around college football see their dreams come true when they hear their name called to play in the NFL. Whether these players are being drafted, signing a contract as an undrafted free agent, or even receiving a minicamp update to compete for a roster spot, each opportunity is one these players have been working for their whole lives. Rutgers saw three top players get drafted, six sign UDFA contracts, and four get rookie minicamp invites. This brings the total to 113 Scarlet Knights joining the NFL under head coach Greg Schiano, a testament to the program and its player development.

Competing for a Backup Role

The first Scarlet Knight to hear their name called was defensive back Robert Longerbeam. One of the best players on the Rutgers defense last season, Longerbeam had 45 tackles, two interceptions, and 11 pass breakups while playing in 12 games for the Scarlet Knights. He most notably had the game-winning interception against Virginia Tech at Lane Stadium, picking off Hokies quarterback Kyron Drones to deny their comeback attempt and keep the Scarlet Knights undefeated through September. To end the season, he had an interception and seven tackles against the Kansas State Wildcats in the Rate Bowl.

Although he is slightly undersized at 5’11’’, his ball skills and competitiveness could see him competing for the backup role on the right side of the field. Former Cowboys corner Chidobe Awuzie will likely hold down the starting position, but last year’s draft pick T.J. Tampa played sparingly for Baltimore and did not have much of an impact. If Longerbeam can have a good training camp, he may be able to earn the right cornerback reserve role.

Another defensive back who is in a similar position is safety Desmond Igbinosun. Although he signed an UDFA contract with the Ravens, Igbinosun is currently third on ESPN’s depth chart for the team. The 6’2’’ defensive back primarily plays safety, making 29 of his 41 starts as a strong safety for the Knights, and totaled 186 tackles, 15 for loss, and 2 sacks. He had four TFLs in the 2023 comeback win against Michigan State, a Rutgers Big Ten game record. Kyle Hamilton is one of the league’s best safeties, but reserve safety Sanoussi Kane sparingly played last season, with only five solo tackles, and was a seventh-round pick himself. Igbinosun can position himself for the backup nod with a strong training camp and preseason in Baltimore.

One of the biggest value picks in the NFL draft was running back Kyle Monangai. Monangai was an excellent back at Rutgers, often breaking through contact, making quick cuts to juke out defenders, and showcasing his blocking ability as well. He had zero career fumbles in 707 carries, showcasing his dedication to ball security and his discipline. His ability to earn yards after contact is reminiscent of current Chiefs and former Rutgers running back Isiah Pacheco, and Monangai may have had an even better college career than the Kansas City star, earning the Big Ten rushing title in 2023 with 1,262 yards and outperforming that with 1,279 yards this past season.

Although Monangai has limited receiving value and lacks top-end speed to outrun defenders in the open field, his skill set will allow him to earn playing time. D’Andre Swift claimed the starting role in Chicago, but Bears fans were looking for a solid addition to the running back room in this year’s NFL Draft. Roschon Johnson had extremely minimal contributions last season, with just 55 carries and 150 yards, and Travis Homer has played even less. It wouldn’t take anything unfathomable for Monangai to carve out his role with the Bears, even with Swift being the primary option. His ability to fight through contact will give him early-down and short-yardage carries, maybe even being an option for red zone carries if the passing game stalls near the goal line.

Should Make the Roster

The other draftee for the Scarlet Knights this year was defensive tackle Kyonte Hamilton. Hamilton played 51 games throughout his four years at Rutgers and had his breakout season this past year, with four sacks, five TFLs, and 36 tackles overall, which led the defensive line. He was also an honorable mention All-Big Ten player this past season, showing his excellence and ability to shine at the next level. The Texans invested in the trenches, adding Hamilton to a crowded room including Tim Settle Jr., Kurt Hinish, and Tommy Toglai at the right DT position alone. Both Settle and Toglai were strong contributors for Houston, with 31 and 28 tackles, respectively, while Hinish added 12 of his own. Hamilton will face an uphill climb to earn any playing time with Houston during the regular season, but given that the Texans drafted him, they saw his potential and will want to keep him as a depth piece.

One of the biggest slides in the NFL draft this year (other than Shedeur Sanders) was Rutgers offensive tackle Hollin Pierce falling out of the draft completely, where he got picked up by the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. Pierce was projected to go as high as the third round, so seeing him slide that far was surprising. However, that does not mean his NFL future is doomed. With the Eagles having one of the NFL’s best offensive lines, Pierce will get to develop under legendary offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland and attend “Stoutland University,”

He will learn behind Jordan Mailata and the rest of the offensive line that protected Jalen Hurts and opened up running lanes for Saquon Barkley’s sensational 2,000-yard season. The Eagles spent $180,000 out of their $210,000 reserved for UDFAs on Pierce’s contract, so they see potential in his massive 6’8’’, 341-pound frame, and potentially could even move up the depth chart. Pierce is fourth behind Mailata, Laekin Vakahali, and Myles Hinton, but he graded out with a 6.0 according to NFL.com’s prospect grading scale, which means that “he has the traits or talent to be an above-average backup”. With the ability to play at either left or right tackle, Pierce should be a quality reserve for the Eagles and make the 53-man roster, potentially even making his way up the depth chart in the future.

Significant Chance to Make Roster

Eric Rogers had a strong impact during his two seasons at Rutgers, with 53 tackles, nine pass breakups, two forced fumbles, a blocked punt, and a pick-six in 24 games. His versatility and determination, transferring up from Northern Illinois, serve him well. The Chargers have just two right cornerbacks, with Benjamin St. Juste also playing left cornerback, so a roster spot is available for Rogers should he perform well in training camp.

Shaquan Loyal going to the Bengals serves a position of need for Cincinnati. The Bengals' porous defense led to the team not making the playoffs despite an impressive year from Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, so they will want to make sure their defense is stocked up for the upcoming year. Although the Bengals added Shemar Stewart and Demetrius Knight with their first two picks, they did not address their secondary until after the draft. Loyal comes in with 77 tackles, a sack, and two interceptions last season, and he could very easily make the roster, potentially outperforming the reserve safeties and even seeing playing time.

Tyreem Powell has made the most out of his time as a Scarlet Knight, totaling 201 tackles, 11.5 TFLs, and five sacks. He was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection and a semifinalist for the Comeback Player of the Year Award, known for his physicality and tackling ability. His 6’4’’ frame and special-teams experience could come in handy, as New Orleans only has two weakside linebackers listed on its depth chart. If Powell can keep shining, he could make the Saints' 53-man roster and provide quality depth at the position.

Other Knights in the NFL

WR Dymere Miller (UDFA contract with the Jets): Projected fourth-string WR2, strong skillset and track record in the FCS with Monmouth, led the team in receiving and had the most receiving yards in a season for Rutgers since Leonte Caroo in 2015 (757 yards from 59 catches), downfield threat with strong route-running ability

DB Flip Dixon (minicamp invite from the Bills): Had 138 tackles in two seasons with Rutgers after playing three seasons at Minnesota, played in 55 career games with 31 at safety, contributed 13 PBUs and three interceptions, plays with a physical, hard-hitting style

WR Christian Dremel (minicamp invites from Chiefs and Giants): Played in a school-record 58 games, making 17 starts at wide receiver, the team’s receiving leader in 2023, totaling 58 receptions for 699 yards and four TDs, a dynamic slot receiver and punt returner capable of making defenders miss in the open field

DT Malcom Ray (minicamp invite from Chiefs): Totaled 87 tackles, 12.5 TFLs, and 4.5 sacks, played 56 games with 19 starts at defensive tackle, played four seasons at Florida State (2023 ACC Champions at 13-0), and played final season at Rutgers, with 27 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, and a sack, including 5 tackles during the Rate Bowl

LS Austin Riggs (minicamp invite from Vikings): Played four seasons for BYU before transferring to Rutgers, handled all snaps for field goals, extra points, and punts last season, helped FG unit end the season with 13 makes in a row, helped punt unit down 15 punts inside the 20-yard line, two-time member of Mannelly Watch List (top FBS long snapper), 2024 Honorable Mention All-Big Ten