Another year, another NFL draft where several Nittany Lions heard their name called.
Eight players were selected, with three more receiving training camp invites. With the 2024 draft concluded, next year’s batch of players could result in an even more promising draft class.
Drew Allar, quarterback, junior
Coming in as one of the most highly touted quarterback recruits in the history of the program, Drew Allar has a chance to hear his name called early next year, should he declare for the draft.
Allar totaled 2,631 passing yards and 25 touchdowns to just two interceptions in 2023. He added 210 yards on the ground and four scores to go along with his passing totals.
The knock on the Medina, Ohio, native so far has been his performance in the big games, as he delivered lackluster performances against Michigan, Ohio State and Ole Miss last season.
If Allar delivers in the spotlight next season, he should be a lock for a high pick.
Prediction: Round 1
Linebacker Abdul Carter (11) celebrates his interception during the football game against Illinois on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2023 in Champaign, Ill. The Nittany Lions won 30-13.
Abdul Carter, defensive end, junior
Micah Parsons 2.0 has graced the field of Beaver Stadium.
Ever since Abdul Carter stepped on the gridiron, he has been an enforcer for the Penn State defensive unit. In his freshman year, he tallied 56 tackles (10.5 for loss), 6.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
He leveled up in 2023, garnering first-team All-Big Ten honors on top of being named second-team All-American by Sports Illustrated.
Despite making the switch from linebacker to defensive end for the upcoming campaign, Carter is a shoe-in for a top pick.
Prediction: Round 1
Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton (33) celebrates a sack made by linebacker Curtis Jacobs (23) during the game between Penn State and Michigan State at Ford Field on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023 in Detroit, Mich. The Nittany Lions shut out the Spartans 42-0.
Dani Dennis-Sutton, defensive end, junior
After showing flashes and being mixed into the rotation, next year will be Dani Dennis-Sutton’s time to shine.
Chop Robinson and Adisa Isaac headlined the edge rusher spots last season, but Dennis-Sutton finished his sophomore season with 26 tackles (six for loss), 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
The former 5-star has both finesse and power in his pass rush, as he can get it done both on the inside and outside of the defensive line.
With a starting role seemingly trending in his favor along with an uptick in snaps, it wouldn’t be a shock if he followed Robinson and Isaac into the early rounds of the NFL draft.
Prediction: Round 1-2
Penn State Nittany Lions running back Nick Singleton (10) collides with a Michigan State player during the game between Penn State and Michigan State at Ford Field on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023 in Detroit, Mich. The Nittany Lions shut out the Spartans 42-0.
Nick Singleton, running back, junior
Penn State running backs to the NFL have become a pipeline, and Nick Singleton isn’t going to be the one who ends that trend.
The Lawn Boy has gained comparisons to former blue and white tailback Saquon Barkley, and for good reason due to his quick burst and ability to cut on a dime.
In his time in Happy Valley, he’s tallied 1,813 rushing yards, which is No. 20 in program history, along with six games with multiple rushing scores.
Despite having a down year in his sophomore season, the upside is clearly there for Singleton, and scouts will be paying attention to him.
Prediction: Round 2-3
Running back Kaytron Allen (13) runs the ball up the field as he dodges Iowa players during the football game at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2023 in University Park, Pa. The Nittany Lions swept the Hawkeyes 31-0.
Kaytron Allen, running back, junior
Just like Singleton, Kaytron Allen will add to the streak of Nittany Lions in the big league.
He’s a powerful back who can bulldoze any defender that gets in his way, having success in piling on yards after contact.
Allen has totaled 1,769 yards on the ground so far and has four career games with at least 100 yards.
Allen is a bruiser who can thrive in the NFL, especially in short yardage and goal-line situations.
Prediction: Round 2-4
Penn State Nittany Lions safety Kevin Winston Jr. (21) runs after a Rutgers quarterback to stop a play during the game between Penn State and Rutgers at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023 in University Park, Pa. The Nittany Lions beat the Scarlett Knights 27-6.
Kevin Winston Jr., safety, junior
A scary sight in the secondary.
Kevin Winston Jr., a hard-hitting threat in coverage, is a strong candidate to rise up draft boards come next spring.
Last season, he was all over the field, garnering 61 tackles, five pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and an interception.
A big junior campaign could result in him being the highest-rising prospect for the blue and white.
Prediction: Round 2-4
Tight end Tyler Warren (44) runs towards the sideline at the Penn State football game inside SECU Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. In College Park, Md. The Nittany Lions beat the Terrapins 51-15.
Tyler Warren, tight end, senior
The Penn State tight end factory will continue with Tyler Warren.
The last four starters at the position have heard their name called during the NFL draft, and Warren will most likely be the latest one.
In his career, he’s netted 49 receptions for 606 yards and 11 touchdowns. The senior has also been a proven commodity in run-blocking.
With Theo Johnson off to play for the New York Giants, Warren will likely take over the No. 1 role for the position and see an increase in targets and snaps to boost his case for the pros.
Prediction: Round: 3-5
Wide receiver Julian Fleming (3) warms up before the Blue-White Game in Beaver Stadium on Saturday, April 13, 2024, in University Park, Pa. The White team beat the Blue team 27-0.
Julian Fleming, wide receiver, senior
The former high-profile recruit is looking for a rejuvenation at Penn State.
After posting 80 career receptions for 990 yards and seven touchdowns in his four years at Ohio State, Julian Fleming is looking to amplify his stock in a new chapter in Happy Valley.
Despite being a highly touted recruit coming out of high school, Fleming struggled to emerge as the alpha for the Buckeyes, playing behind receivers like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Chris Olave.
With the No. 1 spot up for grabs for the Nittany Lions, Fleming can make a case for the NFL with a positive showing in State College.
Prediction: Round 4-6
Penn State linebacker Kobe King (41) celebrates his scoop and score in the first quarter during Penn State football’s game against Rutgers in Piscataway, NJ at SHI Stadium on Saturday Nov. 19, 2022. Penn State defeated Rutgers 55-10.
Kobe King, linebacker, redshirt junior
One King brother in 2024, the other in 2025.
After Kalen King was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the seventh round, Kobe King will look to join him in the NFL next year.
Kobe has been a leader at the middle linebacker spot for the Nittany Lion defense, tallying 59 tackles last season in the starting role.
If he remains a steady and consistent presence, he can hear his name called due to his expanded skill set and vocal ability.
Prediction: Round 5-7
Safety Jaylen Reed (1) walks onto the field at the Penn State football game inside SECU Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. In College Park, Md. The Nittany Lions beat the Terrapins 51-15.
Jaylen Reed, safety, senior
Jaylen Reed has been nothing but reliable in his time at Penn State.
Last year, he started in all 13 games and was given an All-Big Ten honorable mention by coaches and media.
Reed is a proven commodity in the secondary, and last season showcased his versatility, with 46 tackles, two interceptions, a pass breakup and a sack.
An increase in numbers could make Reed a late-round candidate.
Prediction: Round 5-7
MORE FOOTBALL CONTENT
Odafe Oweh's time with the flock just got extended.