Penn State Finds a Saturday Flurry at the NFL Draft

Three Nittany Lions are selected, on consecutive picks, in the seventh round of the NFL Draft.

Three Penn State players were picked in the seventh round of the NFL Draft on Saturday, bringing the program's total to six. This marks the fifth year under coach James Franklin that Penn State has had at least five players drafted.

And all three were selected in order, including two offensive line teammates who played alongside each other for three years.

The Washington Football Team drafted defensive end Shaka Toney with the 19th pick of the seventh round (No. 246 overall). The Arizona Cardinals followed at 247 by taking center Michal Menet, and guard Will Fries went 248th overall to the Indianapolis Colts.

The trio joined Micah Parsons, Odafe Oweh and Pat Freiermuth, who were drafted in the first two rounds.

In addition, safety Lamont Wade, a Clairton native, agreed to terms with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent.

Penn State has had 23 players selected in the last four drafts, the most in a four-draft span since 1993-96 (27). The Lions have had five or more picks in four consecutive years, the first time since the seven-draft string from 1978-84.

A total 367 Nittany Lions have been selected all-time in the NFL Draft, seventh among Division programs. Penn State has had 50 players drafted since 2010 and 32 under head coach James Franklin.

Franklin on Toney

“Shaka’s journey from Philadelphia to Happy Valley to Washington is personally gratifying because I know how much he has overcome. Shaka is built for this opportunity. He possesses tremendous football IQ and, when you match this with his quickness and athleticism, Washington is getting one heck of a football player. He provides a ton of position flexibility and versatility, as he has the skillset to play in a variety of defensive schemes."

WE ARE happy to add @SackA_Toney to the squad! pic.twitter.com/ufX4YPi9m9

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 1, 2021

Franklin on Menet

“Michal is a smart, athletic football player who brings value as a guy who can play multiple positions as an interior offensive lineman. He was voted a two-time team captain by his teammates and was a two-time All-Big Ten selection. In addition to his 46 career games and 34 career starts, Michal demonstrated what it meant to be a Penn State student-athlete, earning his degree in psychology in December 2020."

Franklin on Fries

“Will is extremely deserving of this opportunity with the Indianapolis Colts. He is the model of what coaches and the front office want in their organization. His mentality and approach to his preparation set him apart from others. His versatility along the offensive line will make him a huge asset at the next level. He had an excellent career for us, playing in 48 career games and making 42 starts. He was a two-time All-Big Ten selection and exemplified a Penn State student-athlete, earning his degree in economics in December 2019. No player has helped himself more from the conclusion of the season to the Draft than Will has with his work ethic and development, which was obvious to all in attendance at Pro Day. He deserves this opportunity in the NFL, and we look forward to seeing his future unfold on Sundays.”