Mark Orphey coached several NFL defensive backs at Rutgers
Rutgers won’t be mistaken for DBU anytime soon, but thanks to the reported new Texas assistant coach Mark Orphey the Scarlet Knights have fielded several quality defensive backs in recent seasons. In fact, there’s a good chance that a defensive back coached by Orphey at Rutgers is selected in the NFL Draft for the third consecutive year.
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Here are a few of Orphey’s top pupils from his three seasons at Rutgers.
Notable 2024 players
Eric Rogers, CB
After three years at Northern Illinois, Rogers transferred to Piscataway to play for Orphey. In the most recent 2024 campaign, Rogers had 34 tackles with 1.0 sack. He forced two fumbles, recorded one interception, and had three pass breakups.
Rogers was Rutgers’ highest graded defender according to Pro Football Focus. His 81.5 grade led the team, as did his coverage grade of 80.3. Opponents threw at Rogers 36 times, completing 21 of their passes for 215 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
A four-plus year contributor who arrived at Rutgers as an athlete, Longerbeam appeared in 53 games with 31 starts at cornerback. He earned an invite to the 2025 NFL Combine. During the 2024 season, Longerbeam posted 45 tackles with 1.5 for loss. He had two interceptions and 11 pass breakups. He’s a two-time All-Big 10 honorable mention selection.
He earned a 71.4 defensive grade per Pro Football Focus with a 73.7 coverage grade. When thrown at, opponents were 31-for-55 for 360 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.
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Drafted pupils from Rutgers
2023 – Christian Braswell – Jacksonville Jaguars – Round 6
Braswell posted a defensive grade of 86.3 in 2022 with a strong coverage grade of 87.1. Opponents were 24-for-41 throwing against him, tallying 218 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions.
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2024 – Max Melton – Arizona Cardinals – Round 2
Melton played in all 17 games for the Cardinals this year with 51 tackles, a forced fumble, and five passes defended. At Rutgers in 2023, he posted a defensive grade of 73.5 and a coverage grade of 74.1. Opponents were 24 for 44 against Melton, notching 252 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions.
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Since Greg Schiano started his first stint as Rutgers head coach, 11 Scarlet Knight defensive backs have been picked in the NFL Draft. Orphey coached two of those 11, and there’s a chance the number could rise to 13 in April thanks to Orphey’s efforts.
