Rutgers football: Pair of Scarlet Knights DBs go in 6th round of NFL draft
By Ed Stein
Rutgers football had something to celebrate over the weekend as a pair of Scarlet Knights were selected in the 2019 NFL Draft’s sixth round.
There was some good news for the beleaguered Rutgers football program this weekend. A pair of Scarlet Knights defensive backs were selected in the sixth round of the NFL draft on Saturday afternoon. First was safety Saquan Hampton, who went to the New Orleans with the fourth pick of the round (177 overall). Later in the round, the Jets used the 23rd selection on cornerback Blessuan Austin (196 overall).
How will each fit into their new teams?
Saquan Hampton
The Big Easy will be anything but for Saquan Hampton as he tries to win a roster spot with New Orleans this summer. The Saints return a pair of quality safeties, Marcus Williams (ranked 27th by Pro Football Focus) and Vonn Bell (ranked 33th by PFF). Unfortunately for Hampton, they also have some depth on the roster.
Chris Banjo has logged time in the Saints secondary the past few seasons. His fantastic special teams player which will earn him a roster spot. New Orleans also drafted Chauncey Gardner-Johnson from Florida in the fourth round. It’s an uphill battle for Hampton, but as Scarlet Knights fans know, he can play.
Blessuan Austin
The Queens native will get to remain close to home as a result of being drafted by the Jets. Austin was a great cornerback for the Rutgers football team when he could stay on the field. In four seasons with the Scarlet Knights, he played a total 25 games, which includes a total of five combined his junior and senior years, due to knee problems.
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If he is 100% or even very close to it by 2020, the Jets got themselves a steal. Had he been healthy or played a full 2019 college season on a medical redshirt, Austin might be a second or third round pick. Then again ”if” is a mighty big two letter word in this case.
Clearly Gang Green liked what they saw in the 6-1 corner. He is tall, athletic, and has great closing speed on the ball. Austin will have to bulk up a bit as his lanky build will present a challenge against physical receivers. The Jets signed a pair of veteran free agents, Brian Poole and Trumaine Johnson this winter to man the corners in the upcoming season. There is plenty of room however for Austin to work his way into game action.
UFA’s
Three more 2018 Rutgers football players signed with teams as undrafted free agents.
Defensive tackle Kevin Wilkins, whose life history resembles Michael Oher of “The Blind Side” fame, signed with Philadelphia. You can read about his journey in a great article by Keith Seargent of nj.com. Jonathan Hillman will get to stay local. The running back signed a UFA contract with the Giants. Finally, tackle Tariq Cole will get a shot with the Arizona Cardinals.
Next. A frustrating spring for the Scarlet Knights. dark
After a miserable 2018 season, the Scarlet Knights have something to celebrate. If they can send more players to the NFL, better recruits will want to join the program.