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In addition to Tyler Kroft and Michael Burton being selected in the 2015 NFL Draft, seven other Scarlet Knights are looking to earn spots on NFL teams. Kevin Snyder, Kaleb Johnson and Andrew Turzilli were signed on as undrafted free agents, while Betim Bujari, Gareef Glashen, Gary Nova and Lorezeno Waters all earned tryouts. Read below to see how each player fits with their respective franchise.
Betim Bujari, OL, Jets Titans
Bujari was a three-year starter for the Scarlet Knights, playing both guard and center. He possesses the experience and versatility to make the jump to the NFL, but is limited from a speed and quickness standpoint. Being named Rutgers' Most Valuable Offensive Lineman this year, over Kaleb Johnson, speaks for what Bujari did for the Knights on Saturdays. UPDATE: After not receiving a contract from the Jets, Bujari has been invited to the Tennessee Titans' rookie minicamp.
Gareef Glashen, CB, Browns
Glashen was Rutgers' top cover corner in 2014, lining up against some of the Big Ten's top wide receivers. Glashen is undersized and doesn't have great speed, but he's a willing tackler with solid coverage skills. Glashen will look to become the next Rutgers defensive back to exceed expectations at the next level. UPDATE: Glashen did not receive a contract offer from the Browns, but it looks like he had fun when he was there.
The versatile lineman decided not to enter the NFL Draft last season and returned for his senior season in hopes of improving his stock. However, Johnson went through the weekend without hearing his name called, despite being a three-time all-conference selection, including honorable mention All-Big Ten honors in 2014. Johnson may not have the size to play tackle in the NFL, but he's athletic and quick enough to play guard.
Gary Nova, QB, Giants
The Giants began 2014 with just two quarterbacks in starter Eli Manning and backup Ryan Nassib. Currently, inexperienced Ricky Stanzi is New York's third quarterback. If Nova can resolve his accuracy and turnover issues, he could become the third-string quarterback. Learning under Eli Manning, who has experienced consistency issues throughout his career, for a few years would be ideal for Nova. UPDATE: Nova was not offered a contract by the New York Giants.
The Giants officially announced the signing of 4 tryout players. As reported earlier, Gary Nova is not one of them: http://t.co/EoA2c0XwEJ
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) May 11, 2015
Kevin Snyder, LB, Lions
Snyder signed with the Lions less than an hour following the draft, reuniting with Michael Burton. Like Burton, Snyder is a tough, smart player who displays surprising athleticism and quickness (ran the 40 in 4.54). Despite a smaller frame, he has good instincts and fills gaps with aggressiveness and power (see below). He also has the ability to play special teams, which helps his case to earn a roster spot.
Andrew Turzilli, WR, Titans
Big-play receivers thrived with Marcus Mariota at Oregon and Turzilli is certainly a big-play receiver. He averaged an astonishing 34.7 yards per catch in 2014 and then impressed scouts at the Rutgers Pro Day by running the 40 in 4.44. With great speed and a big frame (Turzilli is listed at 6'3"), Turzilli could find a roster spot, especially if the Titans' second-round selection, wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham, continues his off-the-field issues.
Excited to be signing with the Tennessee Titans. #blessed
— Andrew Turzilli (@Aturzilli82) May 2, 2015
Lorenzo Waters, S, Browns
In the tough, gritty AFC North, in-the-box safeties are a commodity. For a run-stopping safety, Waters has decent ball skills and coverage ability, but is at his best around the line of scrimmage. Throughout his Rutgers career, Waters was aggressive against the run and willing to mix it up with blockers and bigger running backs (see below). He may be a bit undersized for the position, but he has NFL-ready toughness and instincts. UPDATE: Rutgers DBs went 0-for-2 with the Browns, as Waters also did not receive a contract offer from Cleveland.