Arizona Cardinals select Penn State EDGE Jesse Luketa in 2022 NFL Draft

After making a position change as a senior, Penn State Nittany Lions star Jesse Luketa saw his dreams become reality at the 2022 NFL Draft. The Arizona Cardinals drafted the linebacker turned defensive end with the No. 256 overall pick in the seventh round.

The Arizona Cardinals are getting a four-year contributor and team leader in the 6-foot-3, 247-pound edge rusher.

Luketa had 61 tackles, including 8.5 tackles for loss, and an interception for Penn State in 2021. He earned third-team Big Ten All-Defense honors from the media. He also earned a second-team Big Ten All-Defense nomination from the coaches this season.

During his four seasons, Luketa ramped up his playing time steadily. He eventually found the field as a starter and captain in 2020. As a junior, he posted 59 tackles, 2.5 for loss and three pass breakups.

Although he finished high school in the United States, Jesse Luketa hails from Ottowa, Ontario. At Mercyhurst Prep in Erie, Penn., he turned into a four-star prospect with offers from coast to coast. He was the No. 244 player in the nation in the 2018 class, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

What NFL draft analysts are saying about Jesse Luketa

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein broke down what Luketa can bring to the NFL for the defensive lineman’s draft profile.

The prospect analyst credited the Penn State star for his positional versatility and his work ethic.

“Team-first leader who plays every snap like his hair is on fire. Luketa is self-made and known for putting in the work necessary to go from Ottawa tough guy to productive, two-year starter in the Big Ten,” Zierlein wrote. “He won’t blink in the face of physical challenges, using his leverage and power to hold his ground or come out on top. He lacks instincts and pursuit speed and is best suited as a 4-3 Sam linebacker but his lone season as a 4-3 end could have 3-4 teams exploring his potential as a developmental outside linebacker. No matter the scheme, Luketa’s toughness and talent should make him a good backup or low-end starter with the ability to shine on special teams as early as his rookie season.”