Can Penn State’s undrafted free agents make their first NFL rosters? What to know
Penn State had eight players go in the 2026 NFL Draft, headlined by Vega Ioane going in the first round to the Baltimore Ravens and Drew Allar going in the third round to the Pittsburgh Steelers — and they had nearly as many players sign with teams as undrafted free agents.
Where did the undrafted Nittany Lions end up? Let’s take a look at that, according to various reports, and their chances of making their new teams.
WR Devonte Ross — Los Angeles Chargers
Ross is heading to a team that is looking to add a deep threat, but he’ll likely have a difficult time making the roster. The Chargers drafted Brenen Thompson at receiver and Thompson ran a 4.26 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Ross’ ability to stick in the NFL will depend on how much he can contribute on special teams.
C Nick Dawkins — Baltimore Ravens
Dawkins joins Ioane in Baltimore and has a legitimate chance to make the roster and even make an impact next to his college teammate. The Ravens lost starting center Tyler Linderbaum in free agency and did very little to replace him. While Dawkins is highly unlikely to win a competition to start at center, he could win a spot on the roster if he shows he can fill in as a backup on the interior.
TE Khalil Dinkins — San Francisco 49ers
Dinkins is heading to a loaded tight end room in San Francisco, but he’s also a near-perfect fit for what the 49ers want from the position. He’s an excellent blocker who can contribute in the passing game. Even if he doesn’t make the roster, he should catch on with another team and have a solid career as a third tight end and potentially a backup tight end.
WR Trebor Peña — Jacksonville Jaguars
Peña is a long shot to make Jacksonville’s roster, but could catch on elsewhere and at the very least should stick on a practice squad if he can contribute on special teams. The wide receiver is undersized but effective at creating separation and has the upside to be a slot receiver in the league. It’s just a matter of ending up in the right situation and finding a team that will overlook his lack of size.
LB Dom DeLuca — Baltimore Ravens
DeLuca could be a special teamer in the NFL, but the chances of him sticking on a defense are very slim. And even on special teams he lacks the requisite athleticism to be a major contributor. He could bounce around practice squads, but it’s hard to envision him having a long NFL career.
OT Nolan Rucci — Indianapolis Colts
Rucci has some upside at tackle, but his lack of athleticism is going to hurt him. He’s a developmental prospect for the Colts and will likely be a practice squad player in his first season — whether that’s in Indianapolis or somewhere else. There’s upside to be a swing tackle if everything breaks right for him and he ends up with the right offensive line coach.
LS Tyler Duzansky — Las Vegas Raiders
Duzansky could be in the league for a long time if he finds the right team. He plays a position that has very little value, but when teams find a longsnapper they like, they usually stick with them — potentially for a decade or longer. That could happen with Duzansky in Las Vegas or elsewhere.
