The Highs and Lows of Penn State's 2023 NFL Draft
Penn State didn't defend its Big Ten title at the 2023 NFL Draft (that went to Michigan with nine picks) but did produce six selections and sent another quarterback to the NFL.
Six Lions were drafted over three days in Kansas City, including quarterback Sean Clifford, who went in the fifth round to Green Bay. Clifford is Penn State's third consecutive starting quarterback to be drafted, joining Christian Hackenberg (2014) and Trace McSorley (2019). Prior to them, Penn State's last quarterback drafted — as a quarterback — was Wally Richardson in 1997. (Michael Robinson was drafted as a running back in 2006).
Penn State has produced at least six picks in each of the last three drafts. The last time that happened was 1991-93. Penn State tied for fifth (with Clemson, Florida, LSU, Ohio State, Oregon and Pitt) for the most 2023 draftees.
Further, Penn State is one of four schools with at least five picks in each of the last six drafts. The others are Alabama, Georgia and Ohio State. To parse Penn State's draft, here's a look at the best value, biggest surprises and more.
The Picks
- Cornerback Joey Porter, Jr: Pittsburgh, Round 2
- Tight end Brenton Strange: Jacksonville, Round 2
- Offensive lineman Juice Scruggs: Houston, Round 2
- Safety Ji'Ayir Brown: San Francisco, Round 3
- Quarterback Sean Clifford: Green Bay, Round 5
- Parker Washington: Jacksonville, Round 6
Most Surprising Pick
Strange and Scruggs going in the second round was unexpected, particularly Scruggs, who said the earliest he had heard was third round. They're exceptional pro prospects but really made a leap since the NFL combine. Strange, in fact, received a seventh-round grade from NFL Draft Bible, which called him a "functional second tight end on the depth chart."
Best Value
Joey Porter, Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers seemed like providence. The Steelers had a mid-first pick, and Porter seemed a natural fit. But after trading up and skipping Porter, who saw four cornerbacks drafted before him, the Steelers got him with the first pick of the second round. Thus, Pittsburgh drafted Porter at a $10 million discount on the signing bonus, according to spotrac. Huge play for Pittsburgh in getting a consensus first-round player to start the second round.
Biggest Upside
Safety Ji'Ayir Brown is going to excel in the 49ers' defense, as former teammate Jaquan Brisker has in Chicago's. Brown has the field vision, tenacity, and physicality to rate a lucrative second contract in a few years. Watch Brian Baldinger illustrate the fit between Brown and San Francisco.
Most Underrated Pick
Washington enters a stocked position group in Jacksonville, which returns 80-pass catchers in Christian Kirk and Zay Jones and signed Calvin Ridley in the offseason. So the Jaguars, who didn't need receivers, selected a player in the sixth round who took a gamble entering the draft after a season-ending ankle injury. In doing so, they got a player who will be a significant contributor when healthy.
Best Opportunity
Clifford steps into a position overhaul in Green Bay, where projected starter Jordan Love is four months younger than he. Clifford said he just wants a chance. The Packers are giving him one in what amounts to an open audition for the No. 2 spot. Don't count out Clifford from taking advantage of it.
Biggest Disappointment
That defensive tackle PJ Mustipher went undrafted doesn't represent his NFL future. NFL Draft Bible projected Mustipher as a fifth-rounder, saying he provides "suffocating run support." Perhaps Mustipher's pass-rush limits left him off draft boards, but he's a seasoned player who will find the right fit in free agency.
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AllPennState is the place for Penn State news, opinion and perspective on the SI.com network. Publisher Mark Wogenrich has covered Penn State for more than 20 years, tracking three coaching staffs, three Big Ten titles and a catalog of great stories. Follow him on Twitter @MarkWogenrich. And consider subscribing (button's on the home page) for more great content across the SI.com network.
