Highlights From Penn State's Prolific Day at the NFL Draft
Penn State turned into one of the major stories on Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft, as four Nittany Lions were selected, including two on back-to-back picks.
Cornerback Joey Porter, Jr. began Day 2 of the draft in Kansas City, getting selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers as the first pick of the second round. Pittsburgh made Porter its highest-drafted player from Penn State since selecting Franco Harris in the 1972 first round.
Soon after, tight end Brenton Strange (Jacksonville Jaguars) and offensive lineman Juice Scruggs (Houston Texans) went on consecutive picks at Nos. 61 and 62 overall. In fact, Scruggs was on the phone with Houston while Strange's name was being announced.
Later, safety Ji'Ayir Brown went to San Francisco in the third round as the 87th overall pick.
After a surprising first round without a pick, Penn State's draft accelerated Friday. This marks the third consecutive year in which Penn State has had at least three players selected in the first two rounds. That's a program first.
Penn State has had 35 players selected in the last six drafts, the program's most productive six-year run since 1992-97.
Looking ahead to Saturday's final four rounds, receivers Parker Washington and Mitchell Tinsley and defensive tackle PJ Mustipher should follow.
Brenton Strange's Rapid Rise
Brenton Strange, tight end, Jacksonville Jaguars (Round 2, 61st overall pick)
Strange entered the NFL Draft as a round 7 projection, according to NFL Draft Bible, which said he wasn't a "high-volume player" at Penn State. But Jacksonville saw quite a different player, one who ran the 40-yard dash in 4.7 seconds as a 253-pound tight end. Further, Strange breaks tackles well, bounces off hits and hurdles defenders.
Strange told Jacksonville media on a conference call that the Jaguars didn't emerge as a suitor during the pre-draft process. But he added that "I don't think there could be a better place for me," particularly with fellow tight end Evan Engram on the roster.
"I've been watching him since college, taking bits and pieces from his game," Strange said on the call. "He's a great player. I'm excited to get to work with the coaches, with the players, everybody."
The NFL Draft Bible scouting report on Strange: "An athletically enticing prospect who offers ideal acceleration, Strange possesses an understanding of zone coverage, motor, and scheme versatility as a blocker. ... He displays quick footwork at the top of his routes and is sure-handed. Strange adjusts to make catches outside his frame and displays excellent concentration at the catch point, which helps him win in contested catch situations. He consistently provides his quarterback with a clear target and always works to get open when the play breaks down."
Juice Scruggs Completes One Journey, Starts the Next
Juice Scruggs, offensive lineman, Houston Texans (Round 2, 62nd overall pick)
Four years ago, Scruggs wore a back brace while undergoing rehab, wondering whether he even might play football again after a serious car accident. On Friday, the Houston Texans called to make him a second-round pick. Even Scruggs was surprised.
"I wasn't expecting it to be in the second round," Scruggs said on a conference call. "I can't describe the moment. It's everything I thought it would be and more."
Scruggs missed the entire 2019 season, rehabbed for more than eight months and worked his way back onto the field in 2020. He turned himself into one of the great stories of the James Franklin era, which left Scruggs momentarily speechless Friday night.
That will change soon, however, as Scruggs heads to Houston intent on living up to his versatile reputation. Scruggs, a two-year starter at Penn State at center and guard, is ready to play either position in Houston. He's also ready to put aside any Ohio State-Penn State rivalry and snap to former Buckeyes quarterback CJ Stroud, whom the Texans selected at No. 2 overall.
"I know they drafted me for a reason," Scruggs said.
The NFL Draft Bible scouting report on Scruggs: "A player with experience at both center and guard, Scruggs could be a versatile backup at the next level. On film, the best way to describe Scruggs is that he does his job. Whether at guard or center, he got the most out of his natural ability. Scruggs has above-average play strength. He did a very good job anchoring down against bull rushes. Scruggs handles stunts and twists with ease, showing off good reaction time. In the run game, Scruggs flashed solid grip strength and when his hand placement was tight, he was able to finish defenders."
Ji'Ayir Brown Makes it 4 for Penn State
Ji'Ayir Brown, safety, San Francisco 49ers (Round 3, 87th overall pick)
Perhaps Penn State's best overall defender in 2022, Brown made himself a third-round pick through sheer will. His story is timeless: Unrecruited out of high school, Brown attended Lackawanna College for two years before getting an offer from Penn State. There, he led college football with 10 interceptions over the past two seasons and helped deliver 16 turnovers, proving to be a hallmark of the Lions' defense.
The NFL Draft Bible scouting report on Brown: "An interesting case study, Brown is a difficult prospect to project to the NFL because he has the athletic profile of a box player, but his best value in coverage comes from working in deep zones where he can read the quarterback and drive on shorter throws or undercut intermediate to deep routes. Brown primarily lined up in the box for Penn State in 2021, but he also played more than 100 snaps in the slot and more than 200 snaps as a safety in deeper alignments. He spent more time in a traditional deep safety role and less time in the box early in the 2022 season.
"He has an efficient backpedal that lets him gain depth quickly when he’s backing out of shallow coverages. Brown has a compact build that packs a punch when he hits a player coming downhill. He’s feisty as a blitzer and shows no fear of initiating contact at the catch point. He is a willing run defender who charges downhill to fill gaps and hammer the running back. Some larger questions about Brown’s game remain unanswered. Penn State’s scheme and coverage assignments have something to do with this but Brown often spends time covering empty space. This means there are alot of reps where he doesn’t showcase the dynamic coverage traits NFL teams look for."
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