The 2023 NFL Draft is just a couple of days away, and with that, there will be a number of Penn State players headed to the NFL. While one player is known to most NFL fans, as he will most likely be taken in the first round, there are other Penn State players to watch for as well. Here is a look at the Nittany Lions, who will most likely be drafted in 2023.
Penn State Players in the 2023 NFL Draft
Before this begins, it should be noted that these Nittany Lions are not in any particular order that they will be drafted. Aside from who is listed first, anything can happen with the rest of these Penn State players.
Penn State CB Joey Porter Jr- Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
Joey Porter Jr – CB
The first of the Nittany Lions that will be taken off the board will be cornerback Joey Porter Jr. While the others can go in any order, this is one that is projected to go first. Porter is arguably the second-best corner in the draft this season. Porter spent four years with the Nittany Lions and is now following in his father’s footsteps heading to the NFL.
At Penn State, Porter had 113 combined tackles, 86 solo, and one sack, according to Sports Reference. Porter also had 20 pass deflections and one interception. Porter can also be the first cornerback from the university taken in the first round. He will definitely be one of the Penn State players to watch, as he’s expected to be taken in the first round.
Mitchell Tinsley – WR
Although wide receiver Mithcell Tinsley may drop late, there is a solid chance that he will be one of the Penn State players to be taken in the 2023 NFL Draft. Tinsley only spent one season with the Nittany Lions, but it was a strong season. Before playing with the Nittany Lions, Tinsley spent two years with Western Kentucky.
In 2022, Tinsley had 51 receptions for 577 yards and five touchdowns, according to Sports Reference. He averaged 11.3 yards per pass, which could be a key component as to why he will be one of the Penn State players drafted. Tinsley is young but worth being a late-round pick.
Penn State wide receiver Parker Washington – Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports
Parker Washington – WR
Another one of the Penn State players that will most likely be drafted is Parker Washington. Washington will be an interesting one to watch in the draft as he can be taken as early as the second round, but it is likely that he will fall to the fourth round. Despite falling, Washington can be a valuable player to any team.
Washington spent three years at Penn State. In those three years, he had 146 receptions for 1,920 yards and 12 touchdowns, according to Sports Reference. He averaged 13.2 yards per reception in the three years. Washington is a player that can break out of coverage and will make catches that are not easy. In 2022, Washington did well maneuvering in ways to make sure he could catch the ball, and teams will value that.
Brenton Strange – TE
This year’s draft class has a lot of depth in the tight end position, and Brenton Strange is one of the Penn State players to watch for. Pro Football Focus currently puts Strange as the 8th-ranked tight end in this draft class. Strange is not going to be a top blocker in the league, but teams that need a receiving tight end can target this player.
The tight end spent four years with the Nittany Lions, playing most of the games in 2021 and 2022. In the four years, Strange had 70 receptions for 755 yards and 11 touchdowns, according to Sports Reference. Strange is 6-3, making him a big target for teams that need a receiving tight end. He is one of the Penn State players that can be taken towards the middle of the draft, but it will be worth it for any team that takes him.
Juice Scruggs – C
Juice Scruggs was the top player on Penn State’s offensive line in 2022. Scruggs may fall a bit in this draft, but worth a look by any team. According to Pro Football Focus, Scruggs only allowed one sack and three hits in 2022. Scruggs could definitely go in the third round but is an expected fourth-rounder.
Penn State safety Ji’Ayir Brown – Joe Hermitt/pennlive
Ji’Ayir Brown – S
Safety Ji’Ayir Brown is a player who can go as early as the third round. Brown is a solid player in coverage and worth being picked by any team in need of a safety. He may not be the top safety in the draft, but he can be a solid player for any team. Brown spent just three years at Penn State but has been slowly rising in the draft projections.
A key aspect of Brown’s game is his availability. In both 2021 and 2022, Brown played in every game. In his three years with the Nittany Lions, Brown had 153 total tackles, 122 of which were solo, nine tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks, according to Sports Reference. Brown had ten interceptions during his time at Penn State, six in 2021 and four in 2022, and one touchdown. He also had nine pass deflections, three fumble recoveries; one returned for a touchdown and three forced fumbles. Brown is a solid player and will be one of the Penn State players drafted this week.
PJ Mustipher – DT
One of the more underrated Penn State players expected to be drafted is defensive tackle PJ Mustipher. Mustipher will most likely be one of the later picks but still has a good chance of being picked up by a team. The defensive lineman spent five years at Penn State but only played five games in 2021 due to injury. In 2022, Mustipher came back strong from his past injuries playing in all 13 games.
In Mustipher’s five years with the Nittany Lions, he had 144 combined tackles, 68 of which were solo, 10.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks, according to Sports Reference. He also had two forced fumbles and one pass deflection. While his past injuries may have held him back, expect him to still be drafted.
Penn State football fans can be assured that they still have a number of strong players on their 2023 roster. As for these players, they all have a chance for their names to be called during the 2023 NFL draft.
