Skip to main content
penn-state logo

Penn State projects to have 2 first-round NFL Draft picks; will it have any in Round 2? Expert weighs in

Greg Pickelby:Greg Pickel•about 9 hours•

GregPickel

Abdul Carter
Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

The wait until the 2025 NFL Draft is officially under the century mark. As of Thursday, just 98 days separate us from the first round starting in Green Bay, Wisc. on April 24. By the time the evening hours of April 26 roll around, hundreds of former college stars will have heard their names called while others search for free agency opportunities after not being selected. Much will change over the next three months and change, but as of mid-January, Penn State is widely expected to have two first round picks.

Former Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter will be the first one-time Nittany Lion off the board. After making a case in late 2024 to be part of the Heisman Trophy conversation, he took to social media on Wednesday to begin campaigning to be this year’s No. 1 overall selection. Most believe Miami quarterback Cam Ward will ultimately earn that honor. But, regardless, Carter will not be far off from the top spot. In a new mock draft published Wednesday, longtime draftnik Dane Brugler of The Athletic sends Carter to Cleveland. The Browns own the No. 2 choice this year.

“Carter playing opposite Myles Garrett would be a scary thought for opposing offenses,” Brugler writes, while noting that it’s not out of the question that the AFC North franchise could elect to pick a quarterback instead.

More: Big Ten defensive coordinator in mix for Penn State opening

Carter declared for the Draft after the Orange Bowl. He was a unanimous All-American in 2024 and Big Ten defensive player of the year. The league’s tight end of the year, Tyler Warren, is also off to the pros after a historic senior season and record-setting career at Penn State. Brugler sends him to the Indianapolis Colts at No. 14.

“This pairing is going to be popular throughout the process — and it is easy to see why,” Brugler writes. “Warren will have the testing numbers that general manager Chris Ballard covets, and he is NFL-ready and quarterback-friendly, exactly the combo the Colts should be targeting to help Anthony Richardson develop.

“Let’s be real: This regime must draft players who will help win games immediately.”

Will Penn State have any second-round selections in the 2025 NFL Draft?

Brugler did not just project the first 32 picks. He did a full two-round mock draft. And, he has no Penn State players going to start Day 2. This is not surprising. After all, there is a ton of talent coming back to State College for a final season in 2025.

In fact, after Warren and Carter go, it will be awhile until the next Lions letterman hears his name called. Safety KJ Winston Jr.’s stock will be figured out in the months ahead after he missed almost all of the 2024 season due to injury. He is No. 67 on PFF’s current big board, making him a potential Round 3 pick. From there, it’s unclear when safety Jaylen Reed, linebacker Kobe King, guard Sal Wormley, cornerback Jalen Kimber, or other now ex-Penn State players could go.

You may also like