Where Penn State’s undrafted free agents will begin their NFL careers

The 2023 NFL Draft came and went, and while six Penn State players heard their name called, there was also a group of Nittany Lions who didn’t and will have to find their way into the NFL as undrafted free agents.

Several of those players have already found homes to begin their career. Let’s take a look at each of those UDFAs with a quick analysis of their situations.

DT PJ Mustipher — Denver Broncos

Mustipher had a legitimate chance to get drafted but ended up not hearing his name called because of his pre-draft performance and the position he plays. Nose tackles who are strictly space eaters and don’t rush the passer are easier to find than other positions. Mustipher goes to Denver where he could make the roster as the backup behind projected starter D.J. Jones.

WR Mitch Tinsley — Washington Commanders

The past two receivers to wear No. 5 at Penn State are now teammates in Washington with Tinsley joining Jahan Dotson. The Commanders have a clear trio starting at receiver in Dotson, Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel with Dyami Brown as the likely fourth receiver. Tinsley could make the roster he’ll but he’ll need to show he can contribute on special teams.

LB/S Jonathan Sutherland — Seattle Seahawks

Sutherland getting a shot is a nice story, but it’s tough to project him into Seattle’s defense. He’s undersized for a linebacker but doesn’t have the speed to play in the secondary. That being said, he was an elite special teamer at Penn State and could make a legitimate NFL career out of it as others have done before.

LS Chris Stoll — Seattle Seahawks

Stoll is the most likely UDFA here to make a roster, mostly because Seattle did not enter the day with a long snapper on the roster. The former Nittany Lion excelled at his job at Penn State and should do the same with the Seahawks. There’s a real chance this could be the start of a long career as a long snapper for Stoll.

Jon Sauber

Centre Daily Times

(814) 231-6461

Jon Sauber covers Penn State football and men’s basketball for the Centre Daily Times. He earned his B.A. in digital and print journalism from Penn State and his M.A. in sports journalism from IUPUI. His previous stops include jobs at The Indianapolis Star, the NCAA, and Rivals.