Rutgers' NFL Draft Projections 2025: Expert's insights on top Scarlet Knights' prospects explored

After being the doormat in the Big Ten and having little impact in the NFL Draft, Greg Schiano is slowly turning things around at Rutgers. There is a good chance their draft class next April could be the strongest in over a decade, as three players could end up as Day 2 picks.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights' NFL Draft 2025 Preview

#1 Kyle Monangai

Despite having a terrific campaign in 2023, Kyle Monangai chose to return to Rutgers for another season, a questionable decision in my opinion.

I’m told that, at the end of last season, the feedback Monangai was receiving from NFL teams was unfavorable and an attractive NIL deal lured him back.

Yet as we move towards the 2024 season, Monangai is receiving third-round grades from scouts, and justifiably so.

NCAA Football: Big Ten Football Media Days - Source: Imagn

Monangai has a lot of Blake Corum in his game, as he’s a tough, smart ball carrier with great vision and instincts.

He creates yardage, finds the running lanes, and runs through tackles. He lacks the pass-catching skills of Corum, yet Monangai suffered from poor quarterback play at RU.

Right now, I grade Monangai as an early Day 3 pick, yet I could see him ending up as a Day 2 selection.

#2 Tyreem Powell

Linebacker Tyreem Powell returns to Rutgers after struggling through an injury-plagued season where he was limited to eight games. Powell comes in at 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, and is estimated to run the 40 in 4.7 seconds.

NCAA Football: Big Ten Football Media Days - Source: Imagn

In the Rutgers system, he’s primarily used as an off-ball linebacker rather than a pass rusher and he does a good job making plays in space. He has a ton of upside, and if he’s able to build off his terrific 2022 season, Powell could end up on Day 2 of the draft.

#3 Mohamed Toure

Mohamed Toure, another senior linebacker, has watched his game take off the past three seasons. He is a legitimate pass-rushing threat, yet he’s also a solid all-around defender.

NCAA Football: Big Ten Football Media Days - Source: Imagn

Toure also has good measurables, coming in at 6-foot-2, 240 pounds with a 4.65-second 40 speed. Scouts I’ve spoken with have a PFA grade on Toure. I believe he’s not worse than a mid-Day 3 prospect with a lot of upside.

Rutgers' 2025 NFL Draft Projections by Tony Pauline

Rutgers Pro Prospects
Grade	Rnd	Pos	Full Name	Yr	#
3.58	4th	RB	Kyle Monangai	4Sr	5
3.54	5th	OLB	Tyreem Powell	5Sr	22
3.43	5th	OLB	Mohamed Toure	6Sr	1
3.25	FA	T	Hollin Pierce	4Sr	72
3.22	FA	CB	Robert Longerbeam	4Sr	7
3.22	FA	S	Michael Dixon	4Sr	10
3.18	FA	S	Shaquan Loyal	4Sr	6
3.03	FA	DE	Aaron Lewis	5Sr	71
3.02	FA	QB	Athan Kaliakmanis	4Jr	8