With their final scheduled pick of the 2019 NFL Draft, the New York Jets opted for local defensive talent Blessuan Austin.
Blessuan Austin won’t have to go too far as he reports to training camp.
The Rutgers alum was named the final scheduled pick of the New York Jets at the 2019 NFL Draft. New York chose him in the sixth round with the 196th overall pick. In addition to his Scarlet Knights status, Austin is a native of Queens, New York.
New York kid stays home.
? https://t.co/XBUHn5JDqC#NFLDraft | #TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/eLJt6cLlEW
— New York Jets (@nyjets) April 27, 2019
Austin’s 2018 season was cut short, as he was only able to partake in a single game. He was injured on an interception return during a season-opening win against Texas State. Three tackles, including one sack, also appeared in his lone 2018 box score. It marked back-to-back seasons of injury woes for Austin, as he played just four games in 2017.
He previously established himself as a reliable defensive weapon for a sputtering Rutgers squad. As a sophomore in 2016, Austin enjoyed a breakout year in the form of 43 tackles and 14 pass deflections. That latter mark was good for second in the Big Ten and eighth in the nation.
“Tall cornerback with good length who possesses good change of direction talent and short-area quickness to stay within striking distance of ball production,” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein said in a scouting report. “While teams can figure which coverage is best suited to his talent, his draft value may end up being tied directly to concerns over durability.”
Austin is the first Scarlet Knight to be chosen by the Jets since 1967 when they took flanker Jack Emmer in the 13th round.
The pick used to select Austin was originally held by the Chicago Bears. It was subsequently dealt to the Oakland Raiders, who sent it to the Jets in a trade that yielded offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele. Oakland then traded that pick, the 140th, to Jacksonville, who took Temple running back Ryquell Armstead.
Barring any trades, Austin will be the Jets’ final selection in the 2019 NFL Draft.
