Two former Rutgers Scarlet Knights were selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Wide receiver Bo Melton and running back Isiah Pacheco became the 64th and 65th Scarlet Knights to be selected in the NFL Draft.
With the 229th overall selection, the Seattle Seahawks grabbed the 5-foot-11 and 195 pound Melton. Some had the wideout being selected as early as the fifth round in mock drafts, but the wait was much longer than that for the Cedar Creek native. He is the first Rutgers player selected since defensive backs Saquan Hampton and Blessuan Austin were taken by the New Orleans Saints and New York Jets, respectively, in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Melton left Rutgers ranked sixth in program history in catches (164) and 10th in receiving yards (2,011 yards). He now joins a Seahawks organization in somewhat of a rebuild after trading start quarterback Russell Wilson this offseason. Melton will have a chance to make a name for himself as a versatile player for Seattle.
The emotion from Melton was evident when the Seahawks called his phone to let him know they were selecting him.
All the emotions 🥺#GoHawks x @getbusy__bo pic.twitter.com/KVBLAvRDbm
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) April 30, 2022
A few minutes after Melton was selected, the Kansas City Chiefs made Rutgers' running back Isiah Pacheco the 251st overall selection. Pacheco led the Scarlet Knights in rushing in each of the last three seasons and finished his career ranked seventh in program history in rushing yards (2,442).
Pacheco landed in a great spot where he can work under Chiefs' head coach Andy Reid in an offense that likes versatile players. During the NFL Combine, Pacheco ran a very fast 40-yard dash time of 4.37 seconds, tied for first among running backs. He also did 27 reps on the 225-pound bench press at Rutgers’ Pro Day. He is a back that has a rare combination of speed and power and strength.
After hearing Pacheco's name go off the board, NFL analysts had nothing but excellent things to say about the running back. What may stand out, is the comparison of Pacheco to Darren Sproles, a versatile back with tremendous speed and strength that has carved out a nice NFL career.
Rutgers in the NFL
Many more Rutgers players are sure to get a chance to make an NFL roster as they sign as undrafted free agents, but Melton and Pacheco got to enjoy the experience of having their name called during the NFL Draft.
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