En route to a second consecutive 1,000-yard season, Rutgers RB Kyle Monangai is a legitimate NFL Draft prospect. His between-the-tackles skills and overall gritty play style have made him a popular name within the draft community. Here is an early 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report and film analysis on him.
Overview, Film Analysis, and Early 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report of Rutgers RB Kyle Monangai
Measurables:
- 5’9
- 209 lbs
Player Background:
The 160th-ranked running back in 2020 and Don Bosco Prep graduate, Kyle Monangai committed to Rutgers in December of 2019. Recording zero offensive statistics in 2020, he slowly became a reliable change-of-pace back for the Scarlet Knights in 2021. His 235 yards and four scores showed the coaching staff enough and was named starter the following season.
Atop the depth chart for the first time, he racked up a modest 445 yards and two touchdowns on 4.1 yards per carry in 2022. His long-awaited breakout arrived in 2023, amassing 1,262 rushing yards and hitting paydirt seven times. Returning to Rutgers in 2024, Monangai is on pace to set career highs in multiple areas as his dominance continues.
Accolades:
- Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week (2023)
- Second Team All-Big Ten (2023)
- Pinstripe Bowl MVP (2023)
- Big Ten Preseason Honors (2024)
- Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week (2024)
Strengths/Pros:
Monangai’s biggest flashes on tape come when he’s able to utilize downhill momentum into traffic. He violently bounces off tackles and uses leverage smartly to maximize his forward drive. His lower half is constantly moving and his center of gravity rarely gets altered by contact. His leg plants on cuts are noticeably strong and shifts well from horizontal to vertical running when identifying holes.
Monangai understands power buildup well with a quick burst and ground-gaining boost on vertical cuts. He moves through smaller gaps smoothly with visible intent and whips his hips sharply on turns. His greatest statistical strength is in ball security, never having fumbled in his collegiate career.
Weaknesses/Cons:
Outside of the run game, Monangai is a non-factor as a receiver with little experience to match. He telegraphs his routes and is uber-jumpy out of the backfield which allows defenses to adapt much quicker. He also creates very little overall deception, bailing on option sells too fast and accelerating through handoffs.
While his burst can win him open-field matchups, his long speed is below average and doesn’t provide much of a big play threat. That issue also carries over to outside runs, often preventing him from breaking contain and getting to the sideline. His stocky build also limits his ability to make effective body rotations when avoiding tackles. In pass protection, he can be too patient when making first contact and struggles to hold assignments.
Potential Team Fits:
NFL Projection:
A workhorse role in the NFL might not be in the cards for Kyle Monangai, but a substantial one absolutely could be. His power and forcefulness profile him excellently as a change-of-pace back that keeps defenses uncomfortable. Being paired with other backs of similar “RB2” status could result in him getting a large chunk of carries. Zone-running heavy teams will likely be all over Monangai next April and he should carve out a solid NFL career.
Prospect Grade:
- Early 4th Round
Film Exposures:
- 2024 vs. Virginia Tech
- 2024 vs. Washington
- 2023 vs. Michigan
- 2023 vs. Michigan State
Main Photo: [Vincent Carchietta] – USA Today Sports
