Penn State's 2024 NFL Draft Could Be Record-Breaking
Penn State built a strong 2023 NFL Draft with six selections, including three in the second round, which served as a bridge to next year's potential blockbuster. The 2024 NFL Draft could be a monster for the Lions, potentially challenging 1987 for the most productive in school history.
About four months after winning the 1986 national championship, Penn State had a school-record 13 players selected in what then was a 12-round draft. The Lions' record for a seven-round draft is 10 picks, set in 1996.
Penn State's 2023 roster is stacked with NFL talent, including potentially three first-round picks. In fact, Ric Serritella of NFL Draft Bible projects three Lions among the first 21 picks. Could the Lions develop three first-rounders among a dozen picks in 2024? To the scouting report.
RELATED: The highs and lows of Penn State's 2023 NFL Draft
First-round Prospects
Olu Fashanu: The left tackle was a consensus first-round pick this year before deciding to return to Penn State. NFL Draft Bible ranks Fashanu as the No. 1 overall tackle of the 2024 draft, and he could be the first non-quarterback selected. Fashanu also would be the first offensive lineman selected in the first round in head coach James Franklin's tenure.
Kalen King: Penn State expected Joey Porter, Jr. to become the program's first cornerback selected in the first round. Though Porter missed by one slot, going to Pittsburgh in Round 2, King should realize the milestone. He was among Pro Football Focus' top-ranked cornerbacks as a sophomore in 2022 and enters this season as NFL Draft Bible's No. 4 cornerback.
Chop Robinson: The Big Ten has some great pass-rushers, notably Ohio State's tandem of Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau, but Robinson might be the conference's breakthrough player. He was exceptional last season (5.5 sacks, 10 TFLs) after transitioning from outside linebacker at Maryland. Robinson has the potential to generate double-digit sacks and be a first-rounder.
Rising Draft Prospects
Johnny Dixon: Cornerbacks coach Terry Smith already is among the most respected assistants in college football. How would his national profile rise if both starters get drafted following Porter's emergence? Dixon is a professional corner and a player to watch on the Lions' defense.
Keaton Ellis: An underrated veteran of Penn State's defense who broke up seven passes last season, a team-high among safeties. Look for the second-year starter to rise.
Curtis Jacobs: A three-year starting linebacker who brings 235 pounds of speed and agility to multiple positions. And yet Jacobs still gets undervalued, at least outside the Lasch Building, in Penn State's defense.
Theo Johnson: The 6-6, 260-pound tight end should follow Brenton Strange into the draft's top half.
Hunter Nourzad: the 6-3, 312-pound super-senior is a powerhouse interior player sliding into Juice Scruggs' center position. Nourzad definitely could be a late-rounder.
Caedan Wallace: Big year for the right tackle, whom line coach Phil Trautwein has called one of the most athletic tackles he has coached. Bookending Penn State's line with Fashanu would put Wallace in a strong draft position.
The Potential Draft Picks
Hakeem Beamon: A terrific interior talent who might be an in-between player in the NFL. He'll need more size to play tackle but believes his explosiveness compensates.
Dante Cephas: The transfer receiver from Kent State has plenty of opportunity to emerge in the Lions' pass game. If he becomes the Lions' No. 1, interest will follow.
Dvon Ellies: The Lions need a big interior presence to help fill PJ Mustipher's departure. Ellies is an agile 302 comfortable eating space, which could make him a draft contender.
Daequan Hardy: Three cornerbacks drafted? Don't discount it. Hardy is Penn State's nickel specialist who has robust coverage skills.
Adisa Isaac: With Robinson, Isaac and Dani Dennis-Sutton, the Lions are loaded with edge-rushers. If Isaac turns his snaps into production, he'll get noticed.
KeAndre Lambert-Smith: Perhaps the most intriguing player on Penn State's roster, Lambert-Smith could be among the Big Ten's most electric receivers if he develops the self-described consistency necessary.
Tyler Warren: The 6-7 tight end is a playmaking athlete (he caught three touchdown passes last season) who will be a larger component of Penn State's offense.
Sal Wormley: The two-year starting guard has NFL promise but needs to be dominant alongside Wallace on Penn State's right side.
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