The 2023 NFL Draft is next week. Here’s the latest on where former Nittany Lions could go
Several former Penn State players are just over a week away from hearing their names called during the 2023 NFL Draft.
As the draft inches closer, mocks have begun to expand to a full seven rounds.
Let’s take a look at some of the current landing spots and potential fits for the former Nittany Lions.
CB Joey Porter Jr.
No. 17 to the Pittsburgh Steelers
This would be a fun one. Joey Porter Sr. spent eight of his 13 NFL seasons in Pittsburgh, so it would be fitting for his son to begin his career there. From an on-field standpoint, Porter would help a secondary that is in need of some help at cornerback. He’d bring some of the physicality and tenacity that Pittsburgh defenses have become known for. He could step in right away as a starter alongside veteran Patrick Peterson, who the Steelers signed as a free agent this offseason.
No. 23 to the Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota would be an interesting landing spot for Porter. Akayleb Evans and Andrew Booth are both entering their second year at cornerback and the team just signed Byron Murphy as a free agent. The addition of Porter would imply confidence is waning in one of the two corners on the roster from last year. Murphy has the versatility to bump inside to play the nickel, but this doesn’t seem like the best spot for Porter to go for immediate playing time.
WR Parker Washington
No. 182 to the Los Angeles Rams
Washington did not work out at Penn State’s pro day after he recovered from a leg injury. There are no widely available testing numbers for him because of that, however, he still has enough upside to draw interest from teams across the league. He’s excellent with the ball in his hands and boasts the catch radius to snag passes in contested catch situations. Landing with the Rams would put him in position to succeed early with a starting spot open after Los Angeles is reportedly set to trade former Nittany Lion Allen Robinson to Pittsburgh.
S Ji’Ayir Brown
No. 92 to the Cincinnati Bengals
Brown seems to have found a range between the third and fourth round based on the latest projections and this landing spot would be a good one. The Bengals are in need of a starting safety after Jessie Bates left in free agency to join the Atlanta Falcons and Brown is the type of player that can be used in myriad roles in the Cincinnati defense. Second-year safety Dax Hill is likely to occupy one of the safety spots, but Brown could compete with former Nittany Lion Nick Scott, who signed as a free agent this offseason, for the open position.
No. 113 to the Atlanta Falcons
The last destination would have Brown replacing Bates, but this one could have him potentially teaming up with him. The Falcons have solidified one safety spot with the free agent acquisition, and the other is currently occupied by Richie Grant. Brown’s versatility could help him in this situation and would allow him to potentially see the field as a rookie. With that being said, it’s hard to envision him starting over either current Falcon safety during his rookie year.
TE Brenton Strange
Two mocks, two different rounds, one landing spot. Strange has shown up more and more in the second round of mock drafts as we inch closer to the real thing, and this would see him replacing a former Penn State tight end. Mike Gesicki left the Dolphins in free agency to join the New England Patriots, leaving them with a need for a starter at the position. Strange does not have the high-flying athleticism of Gesicki, but he’s still a good athlete and would bring much more in the running game. Not to mention, having Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle to stretch the field would open things up for Strange underneath in the Miami offense.
C Juice Scruggs
No. 215 to the Washington Commanders
Scruggs is likely headed for a late round selection in large part because he’s versatile enough to appeal to several teams late in the draft. It’s possible he still goes undrafted, but his ability to play center or guard should help him out in the long run — even if it ends up not helping him here. Unlike the aforementioned players, Scruggs will be fighting for a roster spot early in his career, but he should make for an ideal backup thanks to his size, strength and length to go with that versatility.
