Seven Penn State players who could hear their names called in the 2027 NFL Draft
Penn State had eight players drafted from its 2025 roster over the three days of the 2026 NFL Draft, and could end up with a good number of players going in 2027 as well.
Who are the top candidates from Penn State to get drafted next season? Let’s take a look.
Quarterback Rocco Becht
These conversations almost always have to start with the quarterback, especially when they’re about to run out of eligibility. Becht is a good but not great college QB who can take a step forward and put himself more firmly in the draft conversation. Right now he’d likely be a late-round pick or undrafted free agent, but with a good year for Penn State he could end up being projected as an early day three selection.
Tight end Ben Brahmer
Brahmer could have a lot of helium between now and next year’s draft. Coaches have praised his improved blocking this offseason and that’s by far the biggest question mark about him as a draft prospect. He’s a big, athletic pass-catching target at tight end who should have a role at the next level. If he continues to improve in that regard and becomes at least an average blocker, he could hear his name called in the first three rounds of next year’s draft.
Linebacker Tony Rojas
Had Rojas not torn his ACL early in the 2025 season, he may already have been drafted. He’s an athletic linebacker who can get downhill in the running game and can drop in pass coverage. He’s the type of player NFL teams covet at off-ball linebacker because he can make enough of an impact in every facet of the game that he doesn’t have to come off the field in specific situations. This year will be about him proving he’s healthy and solidifying his draft stock at a position that can often slip through the cracks on draft night. He’s not going to be a first round pick, but he should hear his name called at some point next year if he stays healthy.
Cornerback Zion Tracy
Tracy has received praise from Matt Campbell and just about every other coach who’s spoken about him this spring. He’s a versatile defensive back who can play in the slot, on the outside and even get reps at safety. Not to mention, he’s excellent with the ball in his hands and can return kicks or punts, too. Tracy could go much higher than anticipated in the 2027 draft if he puts it all together and meets the expectation being set for him. NFL teams will always want versatile players and especially those who excel in coverage. Because of that, Tracy has Day 2 upside next year.
Cornerback Audavion Collins
Collins has flown under the radar in his time at Penn State, partially because he came in as a relatively unheralded transfer from Mississippi State, and partially because there have been more physically impressive players ahead of him on the depth chart. Even so, he’s come in and contributed consistently in his time as a Nittany Lion and should be a strong starter for the defense this season. He’s a very good athlete who should make it in the NFL as someone who can play inside or outside.
Offensive tackle Anthony Donkoh
Donkoh has been very good for Penn State at right tackle in his career and has been a good soldier when he’s been asked to play out of position at right guard. His future is very clearly at tackle, and as long as he can get and stay healthy, he should put himself in position to have to make a decision about his future following the 2026 season. He would have to have a massive breakout to go early next year, but if he comes back for 2027 and has two very good years, there’s a chance he can put himself in the first round conversation come 2028.
Wide receiver Chase Sowell
Teams always fall in love with players who are tall and fast, and that will help the 6-foot-3 Sowell. He had a very good 2025 season at Iowa State and is primed for a breakout with Penn State this season. He might have the most volatile stock of anyone on the team heading into the year, because he could play his way into the first three rounds of the draft, or he could end up not hearing his name called if 2026 doesn’t go well. It seems more likely that the former happens than the latter, though, which would be a welcome change for a receiver room that hasn’t had a player drafted from it since 2023.
