How many Penn State players go in ESPN's seven-round NFL mock draft?
Penn State receives good and bad news in a new mock draft from ESPN expert Matt Miller. He projects the Nittany Lions to have two first-round picks for the second straight year and third time in the James Franklin era. But, if his predictions prove to be accurate, the program will have the fewest drafted players it has had since 2020, when only four were selected.
All-American edge rusher Abdul Carter leads the Penn State contingent on Miller’s list. He has him going at No. 2 to Cleveland.
“ESPN’s Adam Schefter said on Wednesday’s “NFL Live” that he believed the Browns would select Carter if Ward is off the board,” Miller writes. “If Schefter says it, I trust it. The Browns need a quarterback even after acquiring Kenny Pickett in a trade. But they can’t afford to overdraft a player they are not 100% convinced on with this pick. Instead, the Browns could turn a strength into straight up dominance by drafting my top player in this class and playing him opposite All-Pro Myles Garrett.
“Carter was a force in his first season as a true edge rusher. He’s a day one impact starter with the potential to get double-digit sacks immediately. And in a draft with genuine debate about the gap between QB2 Shedeur Sanders and the rest of the class, the Browns can afford to wait until pick No. 33 to see if a passer they like is available.”
More: Trimmings: Checking in on Penn State’s spring practice progress on offense
Next on the list is tight end Tyler Warren. He is projected to go to Dallas at No. 12.
“The Cowboys have been linked to running backs here. But with Jeanty off the board and a deep crop of runners in this class, they’d be better served getting a top tight end now and addressing running back on Day 2.”
Top 10
- 1New
Chris Beard
Report: Initiated Texas A&M contact
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Michigan State
Under NCAA investigation
- 3
USC running back
Entering transfer portal
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Texas, Ole Miss
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2-round mock draft
5 QBs come off the board
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Who are the other three Nittany Lions who make Miller’s mock?
Safety KJ Winston Jr., is up next on the list. He is projected to go late in Round 2 to Washington with the No. 61 overall selection.
“Winston has the big-hitter mentality that an NFL strong safety needs. He lacks experience and polish and missed much of this past season with a torn ACL. But his tape shows an elite-level tackler who rarely misses when running at angles or in alleys,” Miller writes. “He has the size to consistently hold his ground against tight ends and will fight for the ball in traffic. Winston has starter traits with potential to develop as a playmaker.”
Jaylen Reed is on the list as a third round selection of the New York Jets. The AFC East franchise has the No. 73 overall selection.
“Reed’s speed and striking ability will make him a coach’s favorite,” Miller writes.
Last but not least, linebacker Kobe King is listed as a fifth-round selection of the Carolina Panthers with the 146th overall selection.
