The 2023 NFL season kicks off this weekend and once again Rutgers football will be well represented. Fifteen former players made rosters with nine active and six listed to practice squads. Four rookies highlight the dozen plus Scarlet Knights in the league.
A year after seventh round pick Isiah Pacheco became one of the top stories in the NFL in helping the Kansas City Chiefs, a Rutgers rookie is making waves.
Undrafted free agent Christian Izien hasn’t just made the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 53 man roster, he was named starting nickel cornerback. It’s a tremendous accomplishment for the former Rutgers four year starting safety.
In addition, the only former Rutgers player drafted last April, defensive back Christian Braswell, has made the 53 man roster for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Two rookies from the 2022 team that landed on practice squads are offensive lineman JD DiRenzo with the Carolina Panthers and wide receiver Sean Ryan with the Baltimore Ravens.
Several Scarlet Knights are with new teams this season. After winning the Super Bowl with the Chiefs, fullback Michael Burton is in his first season with the Denver Broncos. Tight end Tyler Kroft is now with the Miami Dolphins after playing for the San Francisco 49ers last season. Three others made practice squads with new teams including linebacker Kemoko Turay (Atlanta Falcons), defensive lineman Willington Previlion (Dallas Cowboys) and defensive lineman Michael Dwumfour (Tennessee Titans).
Here is the full list of former Rutgers players set to begin the 2023 season in the NFL. The Scarlet Faithful will have a weekly recap highlighting standout performances by these Scarlet Knights.
| Tre Avery |
Tennessee Titans |
| Christian Braswell |
Jacksonville Jaguars |
| Michael Burton |
Denver Broncos |
| Andrew DePaola |
Minnesota Vikings |
| J.D. DiRenzo |
Carolina Panthers |
| Michael Dwumfour |
Tennessee Titans |
| Gus Edwards |
Baltimore Ravens |
| Christian Izien |
Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| Sebastian Joseph-Day |
Los Angeles Chargers |
| Tyler Kroft |
Miami Dolphins |
| Bo Melton |
Green Bay Packers |
| Isiah Pacheco |
Kanas City Chiefs |
| Willington Previlon |
Dallas Cowboys |
| Sean Ryan |
Baltimore Ravens |
| Kemoko Turay |
Atlanta Falcons |
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thevinman
September 6, 2023 at 8:09 pm
Schiano showing once again that he can help guys make the NFL. Good to see Bo Melton on the Packers roster.
Biochemist01
September 6, 2023 at 8:37 pm
Good to see.
BataliBoli98
September 6, 2023 at 10:09 pm
Maybe I missed it but I don’t recall seeing the “Knights in the NFL” video that typically appears on the monitor in the stadium. It’s absolutely possible I was ducking into the shade for a few minutes and missed it. Regardless, it’s nice to see RU well represented. Go RU!
Aaron Breitman
September 7, 2023 at 9:33 pm
The rosters weren’t set on Sunday so they didn’t play the video. I’m sure they will this Saturday.
BataliBoli98
September 7, 2023 at 9:36 pm
Ahhh…that makes sense. Thanks!