Category: Knights in the NFL

Christian Izien impresses in NFL debut

Christian Izien makes a big play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday in his NFL debut.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers played the underdog role in their season opener against the Minnesota Vikings. In front of a crowd of 67,202, the Buccaneers found a way to win after a rough start. While the Bucs got contributions from throughout the roster, Rutgers football product Christian Izien shined.

In his first NFL game, Izien recorded one interception and three total tackles. He did not make life for Kirk Cousins easy while helping the Buccaneers’ secondary keep the Vikings offense in check. His best moment came in the second quarter when Minnesota was in the red zone.

With the Vikings on the verge of taking a 17-10 lead, Izien ripped the ball out of K.J. Osborn’s hands on the goal line. It was the only interception that Cousins threw, but it gave Tampa Bay much-needed momentum. Just as he did at Rutgers, Izien came through for his team during a clutch moment.

 

He also made history as Izien became the first undrafted Bucs rookie to intercept a pass in a Week 1 NFL debut since Cecil Johnson in 1977.

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As the season continues, the New York native will be a player to watch. He was signed by the Bucs as an undrafted free agent after the 2023 NFL Draft but earned a starting role due to his talent and hard work. While the NFL season is less than a week old, Izien has wasted no time making his presence felt.

Former Rutgers wide receiver Bo Melton signed with the Packers’ practice squad

On Wednesday, Ex-Rutgers wide receiver Bo Melton signed with the Green Bay Packers’ practice squad.

Former Rutgers wide receiver Bo Melton has signed with the Green Bay Packers practice squad. It is a solid landing spot for Melton, who has a good chance to make the 53-man roster at some point this season.

Melton was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft (229 overall).

Melton spent the 2022 season on Seattle’s practice squad before signing with the Packers in late December. Since then, the former Scarlet Knight has been working to make the Packers’ 53-man roster.

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The 5-foot-11, 189-pound wide receiver had a solid career at Rutgers, where he recorded 164 receptions, 2011 yards, and 11 touchdowns in 56 games. A four-star recruit from Cedar Creek High School Melton chose Rutgers over offers from other Power Five schools, like Michigan and Ohio State.

During the 2022 NFL Combine, Melton ran a 4.34 time in the 40-yard dash and showed off his big-time playmaking ability at the Senior Bowl. He is a diverse player who can get touches as a receiver, a rusher, and a returner.

The Packers’ 53-man roster is loaded with young talent at the wide receiver position but it is unproven. Green Bay has six receivers on their 53-man roster from their 2022 and 2023 draft.

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Isiah Pacheco names his top five NFL running backs…and includes himself in the list

Isiah Pacheco gives him top five NFL running backs of all-time…and includes himself.

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco certainly believes in himself, the former Rutgers football standout declaring that he is already one of the top running backs in NFL history.

As a rookie, Pacheco impressed and exceeded all expectations as he became a starter in Kansas City by midseason. He finished the regular season with 830 yards and five touchdowns on 170 carries and also made significant contributions on special teams as a kickoff returner. Pacheco scored a touchdown in the second quarter of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl win.

A seventh-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft, Pacheco was recently on the ‘All Things Covered’ podcast (part of the CBS Sports platform). He was asked to give his top five running backs in NFL history.

“My list…growing up. I didn’t watch football that much, but  I watched highlights. Barry Sanders was on my highlights. A.P. (Adrian Peterson) was on my highlights. LaDainian Tomlinson three and then I’m gonna get a little bit to this era – Saquon Barkley,” Pacheco said on the ATC podcast.

Barkley, of course, is the star running of the New York Giants.

“Oh, yeah – you got one more,” said host Bryant McFadden, who was clearly a math major at Florida State.

“‘Myself,” Pacheco said with a smile.

 

Knowing Pacheco’s personality and style, it is likely a safe bet to assume that he was having a bit of fun. But the second-year running back has a tremendous work ethic and intensity both on and off the field.

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Watch: Former Rutgers standout Christian Izien makes another play, secures spot on the Buccaneers roster

Christian Izien makes the Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster.

Christian Izien was rock steady in preseason for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, helping the former Rutgers football defensive back to secure a spot on the NFL team’s 53-man roster.

Signed as an undrafted rookie free agent, Izien has made an impression in training camp as well as preseason for the Buccaneers. So much so that on Sunday morning, Tampa Bay head coach Todd Bowles said that Izien is his team’s starting nickleback heading into Week 1 of the NFL regular season.

For each of his final three years at Rutgers, Izien was an Honorable Mention All-Big Ten selection. In 2022, he had 84 total tackles and four passes defended.

 

His performance over the week in preseason helped secure his roster spot.

 

Bowles is a familiar name to many in New Jersey. He grew up playing his high school football in the state at Elizabeth and then went on to play college football locally at Temple.

Bowles, like Izien, was an undrafted rookie free agent after his college career. He spent eight years in the NFL.

Izien’s strong performances this summer include an interception in his first game of preseason.

Tyreek Maddox-Williams is making the most of his opportunity with the Eagles

Tyreek Maddox-Williams.

For Tyreek Maddox-Williams, the last week has been full of unforgettable moments. Last Saturday, the Philadelphia native signed with his hometown team, the Philadelphia Eagles. On Thursday, the former Rutgers football linebacker played in front of his friends and family and shined on the field.

In the fourth quarter, the Rutgers product returned an interception 42 yards. He nearly had a pick-six, but Colts tackle Blake Freeland stopped him at the Indianapolis 43-yard line. However, on the play, Maddox-Williams showed great instincts on a night where his impact was felt all over the field.

Additionally, the talented linebacker finished his Eagles debut with seven tackles (second on the team), a tackle for loss, and two pass breakups. Despite playing in a new defensive scheme, Maddox-Williams was able to play freely and show what he could do.

Before joining the Eagles, Maddox-Williams spent the 2022 season on the Los Angeles Chargers’ practice squad. The 2022 undrafted free agent did not appear in a game and was waived by the team on July 28.

He then returned to New Jersey and waited for his next opportunity. The Eagles reached out, and less than a week later, after a physical, Maddox-Williams had a deal with his hometown team. It was not the Eagles’ first encounter with him as they met with the former Scarlet Knight at a local pro day when he was a draft-eligible prospect.

While Maddox-Williams has only had a limited time to show the Eagles what he can do, he thrived on Thursday night. With the deadline for teams to submit their initial 53-man rosters only four days away, Maddox-Williams has given the Eagles something to think about.

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What is Isiah Pacheco’s fantasy football outlook for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Isiah Pacheco will be an impact player for the Kansas City Chiefs…but what is his fantasy football outlook?

Isiah Pacheco is a popular name now in fantasy football circles with the Kansas City Chiefs running back primed to build on his impressive rookie season. A year ago, not many knew about the seventh-round pick out of Rutgers.

His rookie season was a strong one; Pacheco ran for 830 yards and five touchdowns on 170 carries and he won the starting running back job by midseason. Pacheco, a former All-Big Ten selection out of Rutgers,also was strong on kickoff returns.

In the Super Bowl, Pacheco had a second-quarter touchdown for the Chiefs.

This week, NFL Network analyst Michael F. Florio discussed the outlook for Pacheco in terms of his fantasy football value. The Florio segment was titled ‘Sophomore slump or surge: RB Isiah Pacheco?’

“I’m gonna say slump here might remember last season, people who watch the show thought I hated Isiah Pacheco, I don’t I just don’t think he’s in a very fantasy-friendly role. He gets used between the 20s a lot, but when they get in the red zone and near the goal line, they tend to bring in their past catching receivers,” Florio said on the NFL Network.

“Last year, Chiefs running backs had 12 receiving touchdowns. That’s almost the number of targets that Pacheco had all season long. He also was below average on runs that went for 10 or more yards. So I think he’s more of a safe floor play not really a high upside kind of running back – one that I will let someone else take in the middle round.”

During training camp, Pacheco created some buzz about an expanded role in the Chiefs offense, including as a pass-catching option out of the backfield.

“I’m just not satisfied. I find that there is more to be done out there, day-by-day. That’s how I get better,” Pacheco told reporters this week.

“Whatever is next for me work on work on tomorrow, I’ll figure that out soon as we get in this meeting, to pinpoint that, to work on to get better tomorrow.”

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After strong rookie season, Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco wants more: ‘I’m just not satisfied’

Isiah Pacheco wants to improve on his rookie season with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Isiah Pacheco is gearing up for his second season in the NFL. The Kansas City Chiefs running back, a seventh round pick out of Rutgers, opened a lot of eyes with his performance last year.

The play of Pacheco, who won the starting job with the Chiefs by midseason, played a major part in his team winning the Super Bowl.

During the regular season, Pacheco ran for 830 yards and five touchdowns on 170 carries. He also played on special teams as a kickoff returner.

His season was capped off with a touchdown in the second quarter of the Chiefs’ win in the Super Bowl.

On Tuesday, Pacheco told reporters that he remains motivated as he heads into the Week 1 as the starting running back for the Chiefs.

“I’m just not satisfied. I find that there is more to be done out there, day-by-day. That’s how I get better,” Pacheco told reporters.

“Whatever is next for me work on work on tomorrow, I’ll figure that out soon as we get in this meeting, to pinpoint that, to work on to get better tomorrow.”

The yellow non-contact injury has come off for Pacheco, signaling that last season’s shoulder injury (and offseason surgery). He could potentially play this weekend in the final preseason game when the Chiefs host the Cleveland Browns.

“I’m always ready, I stay ready so you got to get ready,” Pacheco said.

“If my number gets called or not, I’ll be prepared.”

Pacheco has stated that he hopes to take a step forward this season from his rookie campaign. During the press conference, he noted that he has been working on his flexibility this offseason to better handle the NFL grind.

“It takes the mental toughness to be able to find a routine to be able to maintain the shape of your body. For me, it was finding older guys to ask them questions, to pick their brains about how they take care of their bodies,” Pacheco said.

“For me, it was what I love doing because I love talking about the game and taking care of myself.”

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Social media is buzzing about this Isiah Pacheco highlight from Kansas City Chiefs training camp

It was a small highlight, but still noteworthy for Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco.

Last season, Isiah Pacheco checked off nearly box of him as a rookie, from contributing on special teams to becoming the starting running back for the Kansas City Chiefs. But the former Rutgers football standout is showing flashes of another part of his game during the NFL preseason, one that should be welcome news for the Chiefs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Pacheco might just be developing into a pass-catching threat for the Chiefs.

It’s not to say that Pacheco wasn’t solid in his first NFL season as a receiving option out of the backfield (13 catches on 14 targets for 130 receiving yards). But when stacked against his strong rushing numbers (830 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 130 carries in the regular season), it is clear that Pacheco’s contributions could go to the next level if he became more involved in the passing game.

Which is why this clip from Chiefs camp on Thursday had fans excited. It was a simple screen pass, but Pacheco showcased his ability to get significant yards in the open field as a pass receiver out of the backfield.

 

Full disclosure, Pacheco probably gets tackled at the 30-yard line by either Chris Lammons or Manny Patterson, the two cornerbacks in for the defense at that time. He likely doesn’t take it all the way for a touchdown.

But the play was still an encouraging catch-and-run for Pacheco.

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(Make sure to check out Chiefs Wire all season long for plenty of Isiah Pacheco coverage!)

It is also training camp, so it should be underscored that this matters less than a preseason game which matters less than what Pacheco eventually does in Week 1. Every team is going 16-0 17-0 based on what fans see in training camp. But there is definitely a buzz, a palpable one at that, about what Pacheco can do this season.

(Still doesn’t feel right, 17-0…)

If Pacheco can get more involved in the passing game, then the former Rutgers football star’s role in the Chiefs’ offense is likely to grow more.

Scroll down and check out some of the best photos from the Super Bowl as Isiah Pacheo’s rookie season with the Kansas City Chiefs was capped off in winning fashion!

 

Watch: Christian Braswell gets an interception in preseason for the Jaguars

Christian Braswell made a big play on Saturday in his first preseason game.

It has been a good training camp for Christian Braswell as the former Rutgers football defensive back made a big play over the weekend for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Braswell, a sixth-round pick in this past spring’s NFL draft, put in a nice performance on Saturday in his team’s first game of preseason for the Jaguars. does a great job of sitting back and getting an interception off Dallas Cowboys quarterback Will Grier.

It is a good read and reaction from Braswell to create the turnover.

Last season at Rutgers, Braswell was an Honorable Mention All-Big Ten selection (media) and Pro Football Focus had him as a second-team selection in their all-conference selections.

 

Braswell had 37 total tackles and 11 passes defended last year in his final season at Rutgers.

One of Braswell’s backfield teammates at Rutgers, Christian Izien, is making some noise on the other side of Florida. On Saturday, Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said that Izien, a rookie undrafted free agent, has the inside track to be the starting nickleback.

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Rutgers in the NFL: Christian Izien has impressed Todd Bowles in Tampa Bay Buccaneers camp

Christian Izien is impressing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Now we know the real reason Tom Brady retired this offseason: he didn’t want to face Christian Izien in training camp. The former Rutgers football defensive back is making a strong impression in camp so far, even so far as earning praise from head coach Todd Bowles.

Izien signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted rookie free agent. He was a former standout at Rutgers, where he was a starter at safety over the last three years.

He had 84 total tackles a season ago and four passes defended. Izien also had five tackles for a loss.

Against Iowa, he had 15 tackles, a career-high.

On Saturday following his team’s preseason loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, head coach Todd Bowles was asked how Izien performed in the role of nickleback. Bowles isn’t one to heap praise on a player unnecessarily.

“Izien was solid, he had one technical error but I thought he was solid,” Bowles told reporters on Saturday.

“He didn’t get a lot of action but he did a lot of right things. We knew what he can bring to the table. He’s the frontrunner right now.”

A product of Erasmus Hall (Brooklyn, N.Y.), Izien was a three-time All-Big Ten selection at Rutgers.

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Bowles was the former head coach of the New York Jets. Born in Elizabeth, N.J., he played his college football at Temple.

His son, Todd Bowles Jr., is a defensive back at Rutgers.

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