Who Are Penn State's Top NFL Draft Prospects After 2021?
The 2021 NFL Draft concluded with six Penn State players being selected, including first-round pick Micah Parsons. So who's next?
Since it's never too early for a mock draft, we're peeking ahead in the draft, courtesy of NFL Draft Bible. The authoritative voice of the NFL Draft compiled an exhaustive database of 2021 prospects and the quintessential guide to more than 400 players.
In addition, NFL Draft Bible's 2021 guide also looks ahead to the top prospects in the 2022 draft and beyond. It includes some intriguing prospects, Nevada quarterback Carson Strong and Ohio State receiver Chris Olave among them.
So who are Penn State's future stars in the making? The list is pretty strong, covering a few up-and-coming Lions and established players.
To start, NFL Draft Bible ranks left tackle Rasheed Walker as the No. 1 offensive tackle after 2021, regardless of class. Walker, who is going to be a third-year starter, returned to Penn State when he could have left for the NFL.
"He's practicing the way he needs to practice to be the type of player that he wants to be," coach James Franklin said recently. "I've seen a real change in him."
Junior Jake Pinegar is the top-ranked kicker in the field, suggesting he has a chance to be drafted in 2022.
Junior Jahan Dotson, who will enter his fourth season as a starter, is the nation's No. 4 receiver, according to NFL Draft Bible, behind only Olave, Clemson's Frank Ladson Jr. and Ohio State's Garrett Wilson.
Dotson said recently that he wants to have a "legendary" season at Penn State, something Franklin acknowledged as well. Franklin said that he has noticed a "buzz" around Dotson, which has extended in the program.
"He's had a really good offseason in the weight room," Franklin said. "He just looks physically different, and that's going to be something that's going to be important for him as well."
Defensively, Penn State has plenty of players listed. Senior Jaquan Brisker is the fourth-ranked safety and, with a strong season, could work his way into an upper-tier draft selection.
Two Penn State cornerbacks are ranked: Marquis Wilson (13) and Keaton Ellis (19). Both, however, explored position switches during spring drills: Wilson to receiver and Ellis to safety. Former Penn State cornerback Trent Gordon, who transferred to Arkansas, is listed at No. 14.
Two Penn State cornerbacks were not listed: Tariq Castro-Fields, who missed much of 2021 with an injury, and sophomore Joey Porter Jr., who was among the defense's breakout stars last season.
Brandon Smith is ranked No. 13 at outside linebacker, and Ellis Brooks is 16th at inside linebacker. Defensive end Adisa Isaac, a likely starter, is ranked 23rd at his position, and Jonathan Sutherland is No. 38 at safety.
Check out NFL Draft Bible for the more comprehensive coverage of the 2021 NFL Draft.
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