The 2024 NFL Draft took place last week, over the course of three days, from Apr. 25-27. The draft saw plenty of talented football players fulfill their lifelong dreams of making it to the NFL, with some of these athletes starting their journey to the biggest stage in the Garden State.
In the 2024 NFL Draft, a total of 11 Jersey-bred athletes were selected, a significant jump from the 4 that were chosen in last year’s draft. These players got their start all across New Jersey, ranging from Blair Academy to Paramus Catholic.
Below are just some of the NJ talent that was selected in the 2024 NFL Draft:
Max Melton (Timber Creek) – Arizona Cardinals, 43rd pick
Jersey’s first draft pick couldn’t have been more involved in the world of NJ football, as he attended Rutgers for 4 years, recording 111 tackles, 8 interceptions and 4 fumble recoveries across 41 games. The defensive back from Mays Landing attended Cedar Creek High School, just as his older brother, Bo Melton did, who now plays for the Green Bay Packers.
Caeden Wallace (Hun) – New England Patriots, 68th pick
A Robinsville native, Caeden Wallace attended The Hun School in Princeton before committing to play football for Penn State. Wallace earned New Jersey Sportszone All-Offense Team honors as a senior. In high school, the offensive lineman was also dubbed the No. 3 recruit in New Jersey by ESPN.
Audric Estime (St Joe’s – Montvale) – Denver Broncos, 147th pick
Audric Estime grew up in Nyack, NY, but he was able to develop into the football player that he is today at St. Joseph’s Regional High School in Montvale, NJ. The Notre Dame running back was nationally regarded as one of the most dominant players at his position in the NCAA. Estime rushed for 18 touchdowns the past season, setting a school record and capping off his phenomenal career with the Fighting Irish.
Mohamed Kamara (Newark Central) – Miami Dolphins, 158th pick
A Newark native, Mohamed Kamara stayed close to home for high school, attending Newark Central, where he was a four-year letterman for Coach Julius Montford as a linebacker. As a senior, Kamara was named second-team All-State by NJ.com, where he recorded 132 tackles and 11 sacks. Kamara had an offer from Rutgers but chose to follow in the footsteps of his older brother and attend Temple, however, he soon changed his decision and picked Colorado State, where he spent the next five years.
Christian Mahogany (Paramus Catholic) – Detroit Lions, 210th pick
An offensive lineman from Elmwood Park, Christian Mahogany was a standout athlete for Paramus Catholic, catching the eyes of many scouts. Mahogany was ranked as the No. 3 offensive guard in New Jersey by 247Sports coming out of high school. He was even a member of the 2016 Paramus Catholic team that took home the Non-Public, Group 4 state championship.
Javontae Jean-Baptiste (Bergen Catholic) – Washington Commanders, 222nd pick
Javonate Jean-Baptiste was born in Spring Valley, NY, but attended Bergen Catholic in Oradell, NJ, where he blossomed as a player. In his time with the school, Jean-Baptiste helped the team win the Nob-Public, Group 4 state championship in 2017. In addition to the championship, he was also named NJ.com’s Defensive Player of the Year around the same time.
Here are some more NJ natives drafted this year:
Ray Davis (Blair Academy) – Buffalo Bills, 128th pick
Tarheeb Still (Timber Creek) – Los Angeles Chargers, 137th pick
Devin Leary (Timber Creek) – Baltimore Ravens, 218th pick
CJ Hanson (DePaul Catholic) – Kansas City Chiefs, 248th pick
Sanoussi Kane (Blair Academy) – Baltimore Ravens, 250th pick