Outlook for Rutgers Players in the NFL Draft

The 2013 NFL Draft kicks off tonight in New York City with the first round, and continues throughout the weekend with rounds two and three taking place Friday and rounds four through seven taking place on Saturday. Although it is unlikely that a Scarlet Knight will be selected in the first round, we should hear plenty of Rutgers players have their names called on Friday and Saturday. Based on the projections from "internet scouts" and my own personal opinion, it appears that seven Rutgers players will be selected in the coming days. That figure would beat the school record of five, which was set in 2009 when Kenny Britt, Mike Teel, Jason McCourty, Courtney Greene, and Tiquan Underwood were all selected.

Here's a brief overview of the Rutgers players that are expected to get drafted this weekend.

Khaseem Greene OLB Round 2
Greene is one of the top true linebackers in the draft, and he figures to come off the board in the second round. His speed, side line to side line play making ability and coverage skills have NFL teams interested in him as a weakside linebacker in a 4-3 defense. His experience as a safety gives him some versatility too, which teams are looking for more and more lately as offenses become more diverse.

Logan Ryan CB Round 2-3
Ryan is one of the most physical corners in the draft and he will probably end up with a team that runs a lot of zone coverages on day two. Scouts question his catch up speed, but his size, fluidity, ball skills and aggressive nature have them intrigued. It's a very deep draft at corner, and he didn't run a great 40 yard dash, so he may be selected later than he should be.

Steve Beauharnais MLB Round 3-4
Beauharnais was a bit overshadowed by Greene during his time at Rutgers, but he is a great player in his own right. He was a late riser in the draft process and is expected to go in the third round. As a smart, instinctive player who can play in tight spaces, defend the run and cover, he should be able to play in the middle in either a 4-3 or 3-4 defense.
 

Jawan Jamison RB Round 4-5
Jamison received a 3rd round grade from the draft advisory board, but it appears he will go later than that. As a small back, teams are concerned about his durability and lack of stand out speed. He is more quick than fast though, with tremendous cutting ability, so he still projects as a change of pace back who can also help as a pass catcher.

 Duron Harmon S Round 4-5
Harmon impressed enough at the NFLPA All Star Game in January to throw himself into the mix for being selected in the middle rounds. He is adept in deep coverage, but he is at his best defending the run and delivering big hits. He is also a special teams standout and considered one of the draft's top sleepers.

 DC Jefferson Round 5-6
Jefferson may not have been the most productive player on the banks, but his skill set has drawn the eyes of NFL talent evaluators. Jefferson has outstanding size and athleticism, and teams have been willing to take risks on raw tightends in the past. He should hear his name called in the middle to late rounds.

 Mark Harrison Round 5-7
Harrison flashed all the tools as a receiver at Rutgers, but he never really put it together for a full season. He has nice size and is a physical receiver who can stretch the field vertically, but he often had mental lapses and dropped quite a few passes. His talent will earn him a chance though, probably coming off the boards in the later rounds.

Scott Vallone DT Undrafted Free Agent
Vallone had a great college career, but he will likely go undrafted, as he is undersized for a defensive tackle. He should catch on with a team as a free agent, and he has the motor and quickness to possibly make a roster as a 5 technique defensive end in a 3-4 scheme.

RJ Dill OT/G Undrafted Free Agent
Dill is a very big, powerful blocker, but his lateral mobility is considered a problem. He should sign with someone as an undrafted free agent and a move to guard may be in the works.

Brandon Jones CB Undrafted Free Agent
Jones had a big senior season, showing off his ball skills and speed in coverage, but he will also likely go undrafted.