Knights in the NFL: Blessuan Austin drafted by Jets

On the final day of the 2019 NFL draft, former Rutgers cornerback Blessuan Austin was picked by the New York Jets with the 196th overall selection. He was the second player chosen from RU this year after Saquan Hampton 19 picks earlier.

Blessuan arrived on the banks as a three-star cornerback after a year at Milford Academy. Despite being considered just the 11th best player in the Rutgers 2015 recruiting class, Austin started from the very first game of his true freshman campaign. He was very good in the 2016 campaign before getting injured against Nebraska in 2017 with a torn ACL. After getting back in time for the 2018 season opener, Austin’s career ended due to injury after just one game. When he was on the field, Bless was a tremendous, at times, lock down cornerback.

The recovering star (6’0 1/2”, 199lb.) was at the NFL combine but only participated in the bench press. His 40 yard dash times at RU Pro Day (4.65 and 4.71) were disappointing, but somewhat expected as he has not fully recovered from injury. Due to the injury risk and lack of much tape after his first ACL recovery, Blessuan was less likely to get drafted even though teams looking for a potential starter in the late rounds surely had their eye on him. ESPN had him rated the 183rd best player available regardless of position.

The Jets need corners and this could turn out to be the steal of the entire Day 3.

Up Next

Enjoy the moment Rutgers fans, NFL mini camps begin May 3.

Look for more updates on Rutgers players signing contracts to continue their football careers over the next few days.