VILLANOVA, Pa. – Villanova University cornerback Christian Benford (Randallstown, Md.) was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 185th overall selection. Two Wildcats signed free agent contracts with linebacker Forrest Rhyne (Waynesboro, Pa.) signing with the Indianapolis Colts and cornerback Denzel Williams (Rocky Point, N.Y.) with the Baltimore Ravens. In addition, offensive lineman MJ Dumas (Indianapolis, Ind.) earned an invite to the Colts rookie minicamp.
Benford becomes the first Wildcat to be selected in the NFL Draft since 2017 when defensive tackle Tanoh Kpassganon was a second round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs and offensive tackle Brad Seaton went to the Tennessee Titans in the seventh round.
Benford played in all 13 games in 2021 and tallied 39 tackles (27 solo/12 assisted), seven interceptions and 18 pass break-ups. The 18 pass break-ups led all of NCAA FCS Football, while the seven interceptions tied him for third. He defended two or more passes seven times in 13 outings this past year and he led the CAA in both interceptions and pass breakups. Benford also garnered first team All-CAA accolades for the second straight season and he was a first team Stats Perform All-American. He started all four years at Villanova and had career totals of 36 games played, 137 tackles (105 solo), 14 interceptions, 47 pass break-ups and three tackles for loss.
Rhyne was one of the top FCS defensive players in the country last season and finished the year with 154 total tackles for an average of 11.8 per game. He tallied double figures in tackles in six of the last seven games, including recording 21 total stops in both playoff games versus Holy Cross and South Dakota State. His 2021 season totals also include eight tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and five quarterback hurries. For his efforts this past season, Rhyne was named the CAA Defensive Player of the Year and a first team All-American by the Associated Press, Stats Perform, Athlon Sports and the AFCA.
Williams played two seasons at Villanova after transferring from Sacred Heart University. He started 11 games at corner during the 2021 season and posted 16 total tackles, two interceptions, two pass break-ups and one fumble recovery.
Dumas was a three-year starter for Villanova at offensive guard. In 2021, he helped the Wildcat offense average 30.1 points per game and 380.0 yards of total offense per contest.
