South Jersey Will Have Plenty of NFL Players to Watch in 2026
Since Bridgeton High School Graduate Harvey Johnson was selected in the sixth round of the 1943 NFL Draft, there have been 123 South Jersey high school football players who have been drafted by the National Football League.
Some of the famous players from South Jersey include Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back and Pro Football Hall of Famer Franco Harris ( Rancocas Valley Regional HS) along with two-time Super Bowl Champion with the San Francisco 49ers Dwight Hicks.
In the 21st Century, the South Jersey High School Graduates who excelled in the NFL include Super Bowl Champion with the Baltimore Ravens Offensive Tackle Bryant McKinnie (Woodbury) and two-time Super Bowl Champion with the New England Patriots Defensive Back Logan Ryan.
Over 20 South Jersey High School Football Players Members Of NFL Teams in 2026
*LeQuint Allen Jr., Vineland HS
Drafted in the seventh round by the Jacksonville Jagaurs in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Running Back from Syracuse University is tone of three South Jersey RBs drafted by the Jags since 2019 (Ryquell Armstead from Millville High School was the first). Allen during his rookie season became a Special Teams contributor for Jacksonville and is expected to take on a larger offensive role in 2026.
*Markquese Bell, Bridgeton HS
Signed as an Undrafted Free Agent by the Dallas Cowboys, the South Jersey star athlete played his college football at Florida A&M. Bell has played in 48 games over the last four seasons with the Cowboys, compiling 86 Solo Tackles during his time playing for Dallas, and has become one of the team's top Special Teams players.
*Jihaad Campbell, Timber Creek HS
Drafted in the first round by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Linebacker from the University of Alabama is the first LB the Eagles have drafted in the first round since 1979. During his rookie season, Campbell compiled 44 Solo Tackles, and grabbed an Interception last year. Heading into 2026, Campbell is expected to have a larger role on the Eagles defense.
*Donovan Ezeiruaku, Williamstown HS
Selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Boston College, Ezeiruaku is an Edge Rusher who is expected to be one of the players filling the void for a Dallas Cowboys Defense without Micah Parsons. During his rookie season, he compiled 12 Quarterback Hits along with 20 Solo Tackles, while playing through a hip injury that required surgery to repair a torn labrum this offseason. In 2026, Ezeiruaku is expected to be a part of the Cowboys retooled defensive pass rush.
*Joe Flacco, Audobon HS
The Super Bowl XLVII MVP Award winner was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft. The now 41 year old Quarterback has played 18 seasons in the NFL for the Ravens, Denver Broncos, New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts, two stints with the Cleveland Browns, and in 2026 will continue to serve as the Backup Quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals.
*Mike Gesicki, Southern Regional
Drafted in the second round by the Miami Dolphins in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Tight End from Penn State University is entering his ninth NFL season. After playing five seasons in Miami, Gesicki spent one year with the New England Patriots and is entering his third season with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2026. Gesicki has 24 Touchdown catches in his NFL career.
*Cam Horsley, Cinnaminson HS
Signed as an Undrafted Free Agent by the Tennessee Titans, the Rookie Defensive Tackle from Boston College will start the 2025 NFL season on the Practice Squad. After only playing in one game in the 2025 NFL season, Horsley is looking for a fresh slate with the Arizona Cardinals this season as a member of their practice squad.
*Juwan Johnson, Glassboro HS
An Undrafted Free Agent, this Wide Receiver who played his College Football at Penn State and Oregon, is entering his seventhseason with the New Orleans Saints. Johnson has 21 Receiving Touchdowns in 44 Games started for the Saints, and is expected to be one of the team's top offensive weapons in 2026.
*Bo Melton, Cedar Creek HS
A seventh-round draft pick of the Seattle Seahawks in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Wide Receiver from Rutgers University is entering his third season as a member of the Green Bay Packers. In his first three seasons, Bo Melton was a depth Receiver who compiled a total of 28 Catches and Two Touchdowns in the regular season and one touchdown in the playoffs. For 2025, Melton has made the transition to Cornerback and is on the Packers roster as the backup Cornerback, and is now a two-way player for the Packers in 2026.
*Max Melton, Cedar Creek HS
Selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Rutgers University Cornerback has compiled 57 Solo Tackles and 10 Passes Defended during his first two seasons in the NFL.
*Isiah Pacheco, Vineland HS
Selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Running Back from Rutgers University was a member of two Chiefs Super Bowl Championship teams over his four NFL seasons in Kansas City. Pacheco compiled 14 Rushing Touchdowns in 42 Regular Season Games Started and 4 Rushing Touchdowns in 10 Playoff Games with the Chiefs. For the 2026 season, Pacheco begins a new chapter of his NFL career as the Detroit Lions backup running back.
*Kenny Pickett, Ocean Township HS
Even though he was drafted in the First Round by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2022 NFL Draft, this Quarterback from South Jersey has been traded three times in 18 months. After starting 24 games for the Steelers, Pickett landed with the Philadelphia Eagles and was the Backup Quarterback for the 2024 season. Heading into the 2025 NFL season, Pickett was in Training Camp with the Browns before being traded to the Las Vegas Raiders. For the 2026 season, Pickett will serve as the Carolina Panthers backup QB.
*Cesar Ruiz, Camden HS
Selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Interior Offensive Lineman from the University of Michigan is entering his seventh season for the New Orleans Saints. Ruiz has started 83 games during his NFL career in New Orleans.
*Tarheeb Still, Timber Creek Regional
Drafted in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers, this Cornerback who played his College Football at Maryland has earned his spot as one of LA's Starting Cornerbacks. Over his first two NFL seasons, Still compiled Four Interceptions and 82 Solo Tackles.
*Jonathan Taylor, Salem HS
Selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Running Back from the University of Wisconsin is entering his seventh season with the Indianapolis Colts. Taylor led the NFL in Rushing Yards during the 2021 season (1,811) and is averaging the most Rushing Yards per Game among all active NFL players (90.5).
*Bhayshul Tuten, Paulsboro HS
The third Running Back from a South Jersey High School drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars, this Virginia Tech was selected in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Bhayshul Tuten has 5 Rushing Touchdowns and 2 Receiving Touchdowns during his rookie season. The 23-year-old Running Back is expected to have a larger role in the Jacksonville offense for the 2026 season.
Here are more South Jersey High School Graduates who have played in the NFL over the last 50 years:
These Greater Atlantic City, NJ Area Athletes Have Played Games In NFL
Gallery Credit: Joshua Hennig/Townsquare Media
