The 2023 NFL Draft is complete and there have been more PSU players drafted. Penn State had four players go on night two, which can be read here. There were just two Nittany Lions drafted on day three, but one may be a surprise. Here is a look at the PSU players drafted on day three of the 2023 NFL Draft.
PSU Players Drafted on Day 3
Former Penn State WR Parker Washington (3) – Matt Pendleton/USA TODAY Sports
Round 5 Pick 149 – Sean Clifford
In round five with pick 149, the first of the PSU players drafted on day three is quarterback Sean Clifford. Clifford now joins the Greenbay Packers in a slightly surprising pick. Clifford was originally projected to go undrafted, but in a draft where many quarterbacks were being taken, he became a fifth-round pick.
It is no secret that the Greenbay Packers are moving on to quarterback Jordan Love but will need someone behind him, and Clifford will be that guy. Clifford spent five years with the Nittany Lions. In 2022, Clifford played in all 13 games, completing 226 passes out of 351 attempts for 2,822 yards and 24 touchdowns, according to Sports Reference. Clifford has faced multiple injuries in his time, but seeing as he will not be the starter, that should work out well for him.
Another idea just to think about is that Jordan Love has not seen much game action. This is his job to lose, and Clifford can compete for the starting spot. The Greenbay Packers need to decide if they are going to pick up Jordan Love’s fifth-year option soon. If something happens where Love either gets hurt or does not do well, Clifford can get a chance. This may be a surprising one of the PSU players drafted, but it could work out well for the quarterback.
Former Penn State WR Parker Washington (3) – Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports
Round 6 Pick 185 – Parker Washington
Not only was wide receiver Parker Washington picked, but he was also the second of the PSU players drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Washington will be joining the tight end Brenton Strange, in Jacksonville in 2023. Washington was a player that could have gone anywhere in the draft, as it was pretty unknown, but now he will be yet another target for quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Washington played in just ten games in 2022, ending the season with an injury. The wide receiver is one of those players who will move wherever he needs to catch the ball once it is in the air. In 2022, Washington had 46 receptions for 611 yards and two touchdowns, according to Sports Reference. Washington is not the tallest at 5-10, but he is 212 pounds. Once he gets the ball in his hands, he is not easy to tackle.
Washington is going to start out low on the Jaguars’ depth chart but can compete to make the final roster. Washington’s ability to get open in the middle and get through players will be a key aspect that can get him onto the final roster. Being with Strange in Jacksonville will also create an easier transition for both of them.
Not every predicted one of the PSU players drafted happened, but the school was still represented well in the 2023 NFL Draft. Mitchell Tinsley and PJ Mustipher were the only two Nittany Lions that were predicted to go and did not. The two will most likely go as an undrafted free agent and be able to surprise a couple of teams. Penn State having a quarterback go in the fifth round is also a good look for the school. These players all went to strong teams, and it will be exciting to watch them get their chance in the league in 2023.
