Ever since Greg Schiano returned to Rutgers he has had a steady flow of players go on to play in the NFL. Since Rutgers is on their bye this week, their is a perfect opportunity to analyze some of the noise the Knights are making at the next level.
Knights at the next level
Everyone has heard of Isiah Pacheco. The Chiefs running back has made great strides since getting drafted in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL draft. Pacheco made a name for himself in 2022 and had a breakout game in the Chiefs Super Bowl vs the Eagles. However, since Pacheco’s accomplishments are so well known and since he is out on injury, it’s time to give other Knights in the NFL their due.
Sebastian Joseph-Day
Despite not being one of Schiano’s guys, Joseph Day deserves a spot on this list. Despite being a rotation defensive tackle/ defensive end for a while during the beginning of his career, Joseph-Day cracked the starting lineup for the Tennesee Titans as the left end in their base 3-4 system. He has 19 total tackles alongside two sacks and a pass defended on the season. His performance has been good enough to convince the San Francisco 49ers to make a strong trade push for him, although those talks eventually stalled.
Christian Izien
Christian Izien’s development was certainly boosted when the defensive minded Schiano decided to return to the Knights. As of right now, Izien is a rotation guy in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers secondary, however, he is starting to show signs that he can be something more. As of right now, Izien has 40 tackles on the season, paired with an interception, a forced fumble, and three tackles for loss.
With the availability for starting free safety Antoine Winfield listed as questionable, it likely means that a perfect opportunity for Izien to set himself as a starting caliber player is on the horizon. If Izien can make a name for himself with an increased workload, the outlook for the rest of his career will be a lot brighter.
Max Melton
In his first season in the NFL, former Knights cornerback Max Melton is already beginning to prove himself as a solid member of the Arizona Cardinals secondary rotation. The second round draft pick out of Rutgers has amassed 32 tackles on the season so far with 1 forced fumble to go along with it. Melton, who started off the season barely getting playing time, has seen his time on the field steadily increase over the season showing the Cardinals increasing belief that he deserves more playing time. It will be interesting to see what he does with this opportunity.
Jude McAtamney
Today, former Knights kicker drilled his first field goal at the NFL level for the New York Giants. Since the Giants kicking game has been less than functional this year due to injuries, McAtamney has a very good chance to earn himself a spot as an emergency call up kicker as he most likely doesn’t have enough to be a permanent starter. It will be interesting to see how the rest of his season unfolds.
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