Rutgers’ star Anthony Cioffi got picked up by the Raiders, adding more depth.
It didn’t take long following the end of the NFL draft for Anthony Cioffi, a star safety for the Rutgers’ Scarlet Knights, to find a home. On Saturday, following the conclusion of the NFL Draft, Cioffi signed with the Oakland Raiders as a priority free agent. The term “hard work” was not invisible for this Springfield native, who was known for continually improving himself on and off the field.
God blessed me with an opportunity to sign as a PFA with the raiders ! Thank you to the… https://t.co/jKXFSZlaIr
— Anthony Cioffiâ„¢ (@Acioffi06) April 30, 2017
The Raiders weren’t the only team interested in this speedster, who turned an impressive 40-yard dash time somewhere in the 4.3’s. In an interview with NJ Advanced Media, Cioffi said he heard from multiple teams during the fourth through the seventh rounds. However, his agent Matt Marino was in contact with the Oakland Raiders throughout the pre-draft process. He is expected to report to Oakland on Thursday for rookie mini-camp.
Cioffi was a four-year starter for the Scarlet Knights, who played cornerback for two years, strong safety for one, and all four years on special teams coverage. He ended his college career with 168 tackles, eight interceptions, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and 2.5 sacks. He hopes to bring his speed to the defense and special teams, a concept the Raiders are all to familiar with:
“That’s something I’m going to really bring to defense and special teams as well,” Cioffi told NJ Advance Media. “It’s a surreal moment, but now I’ve got to go out to Oakland and start turning some heads.”
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