Penn State at the NFL Combine preview: BWI Daily

This week, Penn State football is sending eight players to the 2022 NFL Combine in Indianapolis. While the testing had interviews have already begun, the on-field television portion starts on Thursday. To get you ready for what to expect, host Thomas Frank Carr and Senior Editor Nate Bauer discuss what they expect from Penn State’s contingent at the combine.

Previewing Penn State’s “Freaks”

They start with Bauer’s article from Wednesday detailing how Penn State’s top ‘freaks’ safety Jaquan Brisker and linebacker Brandon Smith should test. The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman moved Brisker up in his rankings based on his performance this past season and what he’s projected to run at the combine. Bauer details those numbers, and T-Frank gives context to what they mean. After that, T-Frank gives one drill that he thinks Brisker needs to succeed in showing off his considerable talents.

Bauer: At NFL Combine, two Penn State ‘freaks’ set to show off

From there, they discuss Smith and his expected testing numbers. This conversation quickly shifts from Smith’s physical abilities to his play in 2021, which was sub-par to expectation. So will that change his draft stock? Bauer thinks there’s a chance while T-Frank isn’t so sure. He gives why he believes that Smith will still be a Day 2 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

What do you do with Brandon Smith?

Also, is there validity to the conversation of Brandon Smith switching positions to edge defender? T-Frank has no time for the discussion and gives his reasons why. That conversation then leads into another one about the traits necessary to play through contact, how Penn State selects players from high school, and Smith’s ability to learn that trait in the future. T-Frank then gives a key number for a drill he thinks Smith needs to ace to solidify his profile as a coverage player. Finally, T-Frank asks, which player will be the top freak at the combine? They both give their answers.

T-Frank: One drill that each Penn State player needs to do well at the NFL Combine Pt. 1

T-Frank: One drill that each Penn State player needs to do well at the NFL Combine Pt. 2

Next, they discuss Penn State’s left tackle, Rasheed Walker. T-Frank is particularly frustrated with Walker’s evaluation because he doesn’t know what to do with him. Bauer asks if he’s a left tackle or a different position going forward, and T-Frank admits he doesn’t have a good answer. Then, they go into Walker’s testing numbers and play to try and find a solution. It eventually evolved into a conversation about Walker’s underperforming during his time at Penn State and trying to find a reason.

What about Dotson?

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From there, they discuss Penn State’s best possible chance of sending a first-round pick to the draft in April in receiver Jahan Dotson. What 40 times is Dotson expected to run? He’s possibly the best overall player at his position, but will the NFL covet him on Day 1? T-Frank explains the difference and then points out the holes in Dotson’s game that may prevent him from becoming that pick. From there, he gives a drill and a testing result that can help Dotson prove those doubts wrong.

Penn State could have two defensive ends blow up

After discussing Dotson, T-Frank and Bauer discuss Penn State’s defensive end prospects in Arnold Ebiketie and Jesse Luketa. What should you expect out of Ebiketie? T-Frank gives the drills and the numbers that are key for pass rushers. He thinks that both can shine in that role this week as well. Luketa is an exciting prospect with a wide range of outcomes based on this week. If he tests well, could he leapfrog Brandon Smith in the draft? T-Frank and Bauer discuss.

Finally, they discuss Penn State’s specialist, Jordan Stout. While mostly having fun with the conversation, T-Frank gives one critical metric for punters at the combine.

Lastly, they ask the question that frustrated Penn State fans have brought up for a month now. If Penn State had so many great athletes at the NFL Combine, why did they finish 7-6? Bauer and T-Frank bring up the question and give the apparent context to it.