Penn State tight end Brenton Strange declares for 2023 NFL Draft

Penn State will not have one of its veteran tight ends back with it next fall, as Nittany Lions veteran Brenton Strange announced Tuesday that he will enter the 2023 NFL Draft via Tweet. He will, however, play in the Rose Bowl before moving on.

“I couldn’t be more thankful to have called State College home for the last four years. Since my arrival in 2019, I have grown tremendously on and off the field. I’m truly blessed to be a part of the Penn State community. 

“I give all praise to God. I thank him for giving me the opportunity to live out my dreams of playing collegiate football. After conversation with my loved ones and coaches 

“I have decided to forgo my senior season and declare for the 2023 NFL Draft. 

“Thank you to my family for supporting me in all endeavors. Without the sacrifice from you all I would not be in this position today. I appreciate my teammates, coaches, and all of the support staff for making my Penn State experience unforgettable. We made memories and built bonds that will last a lifetime. 

“I am looking forward to being with the Penn State football family one last time and competing in the Rose Bowl.”

Strange finished the 2022 regular season as the Lions’ leading receiver at his position. The Parkersburg, W. Va., native hauled in 32 passes for 362 yards and five touchdowns as a redshirt junior. He also played in all 12 regular season games. He will play in Penn State’s Rose Bowl against Utah.

Recapping Strange’s time at Penn State

Strange arrived at Penn State as a member of the Class of 2019. He was a shade over 200 pounds then but leaves at 6-foot-3, 247 pounds. He grew as a blocker and receiver during his time with the Lions and was the 23rd-best tight end this fall per Pro Football Focus.

All told, Strange caught 70 passes over four seasons for 755 yards and 11 touchdowns. He was an oft-used member of the team’s offense over the last few seasons, even if the ball did not always come his way.

“Our tight ends are great blockers,” offensive line coach Phil Trautwein said in November. Every tight end in that room is going to play in the NFL.”

Strange will be the first player from the group to test those waters. He is currently projected as a mid-to-late-round pick

How do the Lions move forward at tight end?

Penn State is expected to have at least two key contributors back next season in Theo Johnson and Tyler Warren. They caught 19 passes for 300 yards and four touchdowns and nine for 108 and three, respectively. Warren has also been used in the rushing attack.

The Lions also could find a role for underclassmen Khalil Dinkins and Jerry Cross next season. And, the Lions have two players expected to sign at the position in four-star Andrew Rappleyea and three-star Joey Schlaffer, the latter of which ranks much higher in the On300 (No. 187) compared to his industry comparison national ranking of No. 427.

“I thought Schlaffer showed a lot as a senior,” On3 director of scouting Charles Power told BWI. “The guy can obviously run and he’s got a pretty big frame. He was productive lining up at receiver. He had 33 catches for 768 yards and 10 touchdowns, so he scored on about one of every three catches and is averaging like 23 yards a catch.

“I think he runs really well. He’s going to have to continue adding weight and getting bigger to be an all-around, in-line tight end, but the athleticism and receiving ability is pretty impressive. He does a lot of different stuff, too. He’s just a good overall athlete, and that’s pretty apparent.”

All told, the Penn State tight end room appears to be in good hands in 2023 and beyond, even without Strange.