The surprising Rutgers Scarlet Knights have a huge weapon in Kyle Monangai, who continues to make his case as one of the most talented running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft cycle. Below we check out his 2024 season stats, mock draft projection, and much more.
Where Did Kyle Monangai Project in Our 7-Round NFL Mock Draft?
In the latest mock draft from Pro Football Network NFL Draft Analyst Ian Cummings, Monangai was taken in the third round by the Denver Broncos.
“Kyle Monangai is a reliable processor and a ruthless competitor who also has the needed high-end pass-blocking chops to protect Nix in the pocket.”
Potential NFL Landing Spots for Monangai
According to PFN’s updated NFL team needs, the following organizations should prioritize running back in the 2025 NFL Draft.
- Cleveland Browns
- Dallas Cowboys
- Denver Broncos
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Minnesota Vikings
Monangai’s Scouting Report and Measurements
- Height: 5’9″
- Weight:Â 210 pounds
- Position:Â Running Back
- School:Â Rutgers
- Current Year:Â Redshirt Senior
Here is what PFN’s Cummings said about Monangai in his scouting report:
Some running backs break out right away at the collegiate level. Monangai, however, had to wait his turn, and then it took time for him to truly find his stride.
Hailing from Roseland, New Jersey, Monangai played high school ball at Don Bosco Prep, and he signed with the Scarlet Knights as a three-star recruit. In 2020, he played primarily as a special teamer but proved valuable on kickoff coverage.
A year later, Monangai received more snaps as a rotational runner behind eventual NFL stalwart Isiah Pacheco. He ran for 236 yards and four touchdowns on 62 carries — a performance that would be a precursor for his first year as a full-time starter in 2022.
That 2022 campaign was Monangai’s introduction to the volume role, but in 2023, he took things a step further, shattering all of his career highs. He rumbled for 1,262 yards and eight touchdowns on 242 carries and also caught eight passes for 78 yards, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors.
Monangai’s 2024 Season Stats and Game Breakdowns
- Rushing Yards: 845
- Rushes: 154
- Touchdowns: 10
- Yards Per Rush: 5.5
Monangai needed a year to calibrate after taking the reins full-time following Pacheco’s departure. But in 2023, the veteran back reached new heights and compiled impressive tape week in and week out — now he might follow in Pacheco’s footsteps as a future NFL starter.
Monangai isn’t quite as fast or explosive as Pacheco, nor is he quite as heavy. But Monangai is extremely dense and well-leveraged, and he brings urgent short-area motion and a relentless mentality. He maximizes that short-area quickness with sharp vision and a creative feel.
When Is Kyle Monangai Playing Today?
Monangai will face off against USC on Friday, Oct. 25, at 11:00 p.m ET.
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights and USC Trojans are set for their first-ever meeting, and it promises to be an intriguing clash. Both teams enter the game on three-game losing streaks, with just one conference win each to their name.
Even with Monangai providing a strong presence on the ground, Rutgers lacks the offensive firepower to pull off an upset against USC. However, they should have enough to keep it close on the cross-country trip from Piscataway, N.J., to Los Angeles.
