Headlining the Rutgers scouting reports for the 2022 NFL Draft is none other than Bo Melton. The longtime Rutgers receiver put his name on the map with a dominant pre-draft process, but he’s not the only Scarlet Knight prospect ready to make the NFL leap.
Rutgers 2022 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
Melton leads the group, but Julius Turner draws inspiration from Aaron Donald. The remaining scouting reports from Rutgers showcase a program on the rise.
Bo Melton, WR
Positives: Quick, sure-handed receiver with potential as a return specialist. Smooth, fluid, and sells pass routes. Separates from defenders, tracks the pass in the air, and makes the reception in stride. Effective making the catch on crossing patterns and displays eye/hand coordination as well as focus. Possesses soft and strong hands to snatch the ball out of the air and make the reception away from his frame. Comes back to the ball and always works to make himself an available target. Plays smart football, shows great awareness on the field, and helps out as a punt returner.
Negatives: Possesses average run-after-the-catch skill. Has a thin frame and struggles in battles. Doesn’t stretch the field like his 40 time would imply.
Analysis: Melton was a consistent receiver for Rutgers, doing the little things well and reliably making the catch when the pass was thrown in his direction. He performed well during all three days of Senior Bowl practices and is a late-round choice who could make a roster as a fifth receiver/punt returner.
For more information on Bo Melton, visit his full scouting report
Bo Melton, Rutgers WR | NFL Draft Scouting Report
Isaih Pacheco, RB
Positives: Quick, hard-working ball carrier who is effective as a pass catcher out of the backfield. Patient, waits for blocks to develop, and displays outstanding vision. Instinctive, quickly recognizes the situation at hand, and helps the quarterback sell ball fakes. Gets out in front and works blocks when necessary. Works runs, squeezes through the small openings in the offensive line, and falls forward when tackled.
Solid pass catcher out of the backfield who extends his hands to make the reception away from his frame. Adjusts to errant throws and looks passes into his hands. Turns it upfield with the ball in his hands and always looks to pick up positive yardage.
Negatives: Doesn’t play to his 40 time, has a minimal burst, and cannot turn the corner. Doesn’t move the pile or pick up a whole lot of yardage off initial contact.
Analysis: Pacheco is a complete back who doesn’t play to his timed speed and lacks quickness for the next level. Effective as a ball carrier, pass catcher, and blocker, he possesses enough tools to make a team that keeps five running backs.
Jovani Haskins, TE
Positives: Hard-working tight end who flashed ability as a blocker and as a pass catcher. Effective when he bends his knees, plays with leverage, and displays outstanding blocking vision. Squares into defenders and turns them from the action. Fluid releasing off the line into pass routes, possesses eye/hand coordination, and nicely makes the reception in stride. Contorts to grab errant throws from the air. Terrific downfield blocker.
Negatives: Possesses average quickness off the snap into pass routes or blocks. Inconsistent bending his knees. Plays to one speed.
Analysis: Haskins showed ability at both West Virginia and Rutgers and has the size as well as the growth potential to develop into a third tight end.
Julius Turner, DT
Positives: Small, explosive one-gap defensive tackle who gets the absolute maximum from his ability. Fires off the snap with an explosive first step, plays with great pad level, and consistently gets leverage on opponents. Works his hands throughout the action, keeps his feet moving, and easily changes direction. Resilient, fights hard, and possesses an outstanding closing burst. Easily alters his angle of attack and redirects to get to the quarterback or make plays against the run.
Negatives: Lacks size and bulk and is easily controlled or engulfed at the point. Knocked from his angle of attack and even to the ground by a single blocker.
Analysis: Turner is a hard-working, explosive one-gap tackle who lacks size and growth potential. He’s a scheme-specific player who has enough ability to back up in a four-man front and line up on special teams.
Olakunle Fatukasi, LB
Positives: Smart, tough linebacker who plays bigger than his listed size. Breaks down well, works his hands throughout the action, and plays with excellent balance. Quick to read and diagnose plays, immediately locates ball handlers, and flows well laterally to the action. Fluid pedaling in reverse and gets depth on pass drops. Takes proper angles to plays and wraps up tackling.
Negatives: Possesses an average closing burst. Lack of height creates mismatches in coverage.
Analysis: Fatukasi has limitations yet gets the most from his ability. More of a backup middle linebacker, Fatukasi must stand out on special teams to make an NFL roster.
Tre Avery, CB
Positives: Nice-sized defensive back who is best facing the action. Battles opponents throughout the route, displays a burst to the action, and possesses good hands for the interception. Flies around the field to defend throws and works hard to make plays against the run.
Negatives: Does a lot of face guarding and rarely gets his head back around. Slow transitioning to stay with receivers out of breaks. Consistently bites on receiver’s moves and often gets beat.
Analysis: Avery is a hard-working college cornerback whose only opportunity will be in dime packages. He must play well on special teams to have any chance of making it out of camp next summer.
Tyshon Fogg, LB
Positives: Hard-working, two-down defender who breaks down well, uses his hands to protect himself, and explodes through the gaps upfield to defend the run. Instinctive, effectively reads and diagnoses plays, and slides off blocks getting to the action. Possesses good change-of-direction skills and wraps up tackling.
Negatives: Not smooth or fluid making plays in reverse. Does not show a burst to the action. Doesn’t play to his 40 time.
Analysis: Fogg is a hard-working linebacker with limited upside, speed, and quickness. His best and possibly only shot at the next level is backing up at a middle linebacker spot.