Football Which Rutgers players are most likely to be selected in this years’ NFL Draft? Blessuan Austin and Saquon Hampton have received the highest grades entering the 2019 NFL Draft. by Gregg Snyder April 25, 2019 Bill Tranavitch became the first Rutgers player to ever be selected in the NFL Draft when he was chosen by the Detroit Lions in 1940. Since then 60 other former Scarlet Knights have been selected by NFL teams. This year, a handful are hopeful of hearing their name called, but who are the most likely? Rutgers has seen three former stars drafted in the first round. Kenny Britt was the first (2009), followed by Anthony Davis and Devin McCourty (2010). The first round of the 2019 NFL Draft takes place Thursday, but don’t expect any Scarlet Knights to have their name called. In fact, Day 3 is the most likely scenario for any of the former Rutgers players eligible for this years’ draft. Highly Likely A couple years ago, cornerback Blessuan Austin was projected as a potential early-round pick after a strong sophomore season. However, injuries the past two seasons dropped his stock significantly. Austin has reportedly rehabbed well and saw a smooth recovery. His 4.56 time in the 40-yard dash at Rutgers Pro Day likely grabbed the attention of the many NFL scouts in attendance. Expect Austin to have his phone ring and name called anywhere from rounds four through seven. Safety Saquon Hampton is also likely to have his name called on Saturday, sometime in the later rounds. Hampton, Rutgers team captain last season, recorded 65 tackles and a conference leading 16 passes defended in 2018. Mock Drafts and rankings have Hampton being selected as high as the fourth round, but more likely somewhere in the fifth to seventh. Austin and Hampton both competed at the NFL Combine. With Austin and Hampton the most likely to be drafted, who else has a chance? There are a few. Next Likely Running back Jonathan Hilliman would likely be the next Scarlet Knight to have his name called. Cornerback Isaiah Wharton and defensive tackle Kevin Wilkins could also have a shot late. If any of the three are not drafted, they surely will have options as undrafted free agents. Outside Shot OL Tariq Cole could have some interest in the late rounds. As could TE Jerome Washington and LB Deonte Roberts. Not Likely DB Kiy Hester, LB Trevor Morris, QB Gio Rescigno, and LB Muhammed Wainwright are expected to go undrafted and will hope for a undrafted free agent opportunity or mini camp invite. Post Views: 1,187 The following two tabs change content below.BioLatest Posts Gregg Snyder Latest posts by Gregg Snyder (see all) ITZ Staff Makes Super Bowl LV Predictions. Which team wins? Who is MVP? - February 5, 2021 Jets And Nike Create New Jersey High School Girls Flag Football League - February 3, 2021 NJ Sports Photographer, Lauren Guillen, Raising Funds For Local Youth Holiday Gifts - December 11, 2020 President Trump Awards Lou Holtz With Medal of Freedom - December 3, 2020 Related TopicsBlessuan AustinJonathan HillimanNFL DraftRutgersSaquon Hampton Click to comment You must be logged in to post a comment Login Leave a Reply Cancel replyYou must be logged in to post a comment. Newsletter Subscription Can't Miss Posts! Women in Sports: NHL Network Host, Jackie Redmond by Nicholas Durst | posted on March 4, 2019 Women in Sports Interview Series: It’s a sure bet with Philadelphia native, Erin Kate Dolan (VIDEO) by Denise Gonzalez | posted on March 17, 2020 XFL Co-Owner Dany Garcia Talks Business, Serving Others at espnW Women + Sports Summit by Candace Cordelia | posted on October 23, 2020 From Paramus High School to CBS Sports, Spero Dedes is making waves in sports broadcasting by Sunil Sunder Raj | posted on October 27, 2020 No Shame in Their Game – Female Mixed Martial Artists Use Onlyfans to Make Money by Brandon Berrios | posted on December 4, 2020 More in Football You Know I’m Right, Episode 112: New York Jets’ Insider Brian Costello (Audio/Video) On the 112th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by... You Know I’m Right, Episode 111: New York Giants’ Insider John Schmeelk (Audio/Video) On the 111th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by... You Know I’m Right, Episode 107: New York Post’s Columnist Mike Vaccaro (Audio/Video) On the 107th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by... Tea Time with Mel and Jay Ep. 8: Review of Netflix’s “7 Yards” Tea Time with Mel and Jay is a podcast where Melody and Jackie review... IHA grad Reese Guevarra recaptures offensive success in sophomore season at UConn Quinnen Williams selected by NY Jets with Third Overall Pick