New-look Rutgers offense boasts multiple 2026 NFL Draft picks

Anthony Licciardi

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New-look Rutgers offense boasts multiple 2026 NFL Draft picks image

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights may once again be destined for another mid-Big Ten finish, finding themselves in another bowl game several tiers below the titans atop the conference. Like clockwork, Rutgers has dominated the early part of its schedule, and the right-on-time in-conference loss has followed suit.

Things look awfully familiar in Piscataway. But the Scarlet Knights, mired in a gritty, ground-and-pound culture, are a different beast than years past. 

Rutgers has a quarterback and, subsequently, a passing offense, that the school hasn't seen in some time. And while that might not close the gap between New Brunswick's own and the elite teams in Happy Valley, Eugene, and Columbus, it changes the math about Rutgers' plans for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Athan Kaliakmanis, Ian Strong earn Day 3 hype

The Scarlet Knights haven't had a passer picked in the NFL Draft since 2009 -- the last time Greg Schiano was calling the shots. The Seattle Seahawks drafted Mike Teel in the sixth round, and Athan Kaliakmanis could forge a similar path.

After an unsteady junior season that saw him complete just 53.9% of his passes, Kaliakmanis has shown legitimate growth in his second year on campus. Through four games, he's averaged over nine yards per attempt, tossing seven touchdowns and running for two more while throwing a single interception. 

Rutgers lost in Week 4 to Iowa, but the passing offense roared on in conference play. More importantly, Kaliakmanis flashed multiple NFL-level traits. On the first drive of the game, he perfectly layered a corner route into the honey hole before the flat defender could close the gap. Kaliakmanis spent the rest of the night stretching the field, testing one-on-one windows downfield. 

He remained confident and accurate over the middle of the field, showcasing impressive anticipation. The quick game was working, the mechanics were clean, and until a defender hit him mid-throw, he kept the ball out of harm's way.

Kaliakmanis will have to continue toeing the line between competent and dangerous against the better Big Ten teams left on the ledger, but I'm running out of reasons for why he can't be a prototypical backup.

The tools are above-average, and his experience shows in his ability to be aggressive without getting reckless. There are some timing issues to iron out; at times, he's a bit late in the quick game, and his feet can freeze within the pocket. Furthermore, Kaliakmanis can struggle under pressure, as he lacks starter-level pocket movement and has difficulty sensing backside pressure.

Other minor concerns persist regarding his tendency to opt for velocity rather than touch. Still, there's runway left for his development, and the growth has been encouraging.

MORE: 2026 NFL Draft prospects to watch in Week 5: Top-25 tests for several quarterbacks

Kaliakmanis has given the Rutgers faithful something to be excited about, and wide receiver Ian Strong has been the main beneficiary. The Big Ten leader in receptions (despite missing a game), Strong and his 367 yards are firmly on NFL radars.

At 6'3", 211 pounds, Strong is a big-bodied X receiver who does his best work stretching the field along the boundary. He runs a limited route tree, lacking lateral explosiveness and above-average fluidity. He excels at creating late separation, though, and runs a good curl. Strong amplifies that with excellent hands -- among the best in the class -- and a proficient feel for correct catch technique. He navigates traffic well and is comfortable over the middle of the field.

Strong also has good footwork and physicality at the line of scrimmage, allowing him to beat press and get himself into advantageous situations on those vertical routes.

This is a limited skill set. Strong isn't the most versatile route runner or a natural separator. He hardly takes snaps in the slot and won't give NFL offenses a lot after the catch. However, receiving corps are like basketball lineups, and true big men haven't gone out of style.

This connection isn't alone on Rutgers' offense; receiver DT Sheffield, running back CJ Campbell Jr., and offensive tackle Tyler Needham are all jostling for draft capital, too. Ultimately, Kaliakmanis and his favorite target have boosted their stock the most in the early going, and a trip to Minnesota in Week 5 should further their cause.

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Anthony Licciardi

Anthony Licciardi is a freelance NFL Draft and MLB writer with The Sporting News. He has covered several NFL teams for Athlon Sports and Sports Illustrated’s wire sites. A 2023 Rutgers University graduate, Anthony is usually lost in a spreadsheet or a good book. He also enjoys grabbing coffee, playing with his cats and listening to an elite lineup of podcasts.