6 Penn State Predictions for the NFL Draft

Can the Nittany Lions win the Big Ten's draft title for a second straight year?

After winning the Big Ten title at the 2022 NFL Draft, Penn State turns toward this year expecting another prolific draft weekend. The Lions could land as many as nine players in the 2023 NFL Draft, including their first defensive back ever in the first round.

With another strong draft performance, the Lions could compile their best two-year stretch since 1992-93, when a total of 17 players from two classes were selected. This year's Penn State class features a host of unique talent and stories, from the first-round pick to the long snapper who could find a long NFL career.

Penn State expects an intriguing weekend in Kansas City. Here's some picks and predictions for the Lions at the 2023 NFL Draft.

Penn State Will Challenge Ohio State for the Big Ten Title

The Lions topped Ohio State 8-6 in last year's NFL Draft but will be challenged to defend their title. Ohio State's draft is loaded with six top-100 prospects, according to NFL Draft Bible, while Penn State has just one in cornerback Joey Porter Jr. But the Lions run a deep draft profile with plenty of late-round potential. The Buckeyes likely will top the conference in draft picks, but Penn State should give them a run.

Joey Porter, Jr. Won't Be Around for the Pittsburgh Steelers

The draft's top-ranked cornerback, according to NFL Draft Bible, represents one of Penn State's great success stories. A 3-star recruit who made a quiet impact as a freshman, Porter spent his next two seasons with the Lions developing into perhaps the best cornerback in program history. He's a terrific press player, despite some reviews, and understands how to be more nuanced, as those sophomore year PI calls are behind him. Porter would be a big story in Pittsburgh, where his father was a star linebacker. However, the first Penn State defensive back drafted in the first round won't be there when the Steelers pick at No. 17. Porter will get a chance to hug the commissioner, as he's scheduled to attend the draft.

Penn State's Second Pick Will Be Another Defensive Back

Safety Ji'Ayir Brown is another first-rate Penn State story: an unrecruited defensive back from New Jersey who spent two seasons at Lackawanna Junior College, worked his way into becoming a starter and captain at Penn State and made himself into a draft pick. NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah named Brown as his top safety in the draft, which could press Brown into the Day 2 range. Expect him to go in the third or fourth round.

Two Penn State Wide Receivers Will Be Drafted  

After a polished senior season, Mitchell Tinsley solidified himself as a draft candidate, probably in the late rounds, but Parker Washington enters the weekend with much more uncertainty. He's a top-25 player at the position, according to NFL Draft Bible, who appeals more to coaches than to scouts. But he also entered the draft after missing the last three games of 2022 with an ankle injury that prevented him from performing any pre-draft workouts. That left Washington with a lot of ground to cover. However, he'll be a late-round value pick who makes good on the "gamble" he took entering the draft.

Saturday Will Be a Busy Day for Penn State

Rounds 4-7 will hectic for the Lions, who could get as many as eight players drafted Saturday. The candidates include center Juice Scruggs, defensive tackle PJ Mustipher, tight end Brenton Strange, defensive end Nick Tarburton and linebacker/safety Jonathan Sutherland, who will be the surprise pick of Penn State's draft weekend. Keep an eye on quarterback Sean Clifford as well. He might not get drafted but will have a free-agent offer quickly.

Watch Those Free Agent Signings

Clifford is the prime player to watch as an undrafted free agent. He's been making some pre-draft visits and is a 25-year-old veteran with much to offer in a camp. One more UFA to watch is Chris Stoll, the national long-snapper of the year in 2022 who has a very unique skills set. Long snappers face a challenging road in the NFL, but Stoll is consistent, determined and an above-average athlete who can tackle. He'll get a look.

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AllPennState is the place for Penn State news, opinion and perspective on the SI.com network. Publisher Mark Wogenrich has covered Penn State for more than 20 years, tracking three coaching staffs, three Big Ten titles and a catalog of great stories. Follow him on Twitter @MarkWogenrich. And consider subscribing (button's on the home page) for more great content across the SI.com network.