Penn State center Michal Menet was selected No. 257 by the Arizona Cardinals in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

In 2016, the heralded four-star product arrived in Happy Valley as the second-highest rated commitment on the offensive line in Penn State’s storied history on the recruiting trail. After redshirting as a true freshman, the physical presence appeared in 12 games the following season, but never cracked the starting rotation.

As a redshirt-sophomore in 2018, Menet made 12 starts at center and anchored an offensive line that paved the way for Trace McSorley and Miles Sanders’ success on the ground. The bruiser’s progression continued by earning team captain status a year later, a campaign capped off by securing All-Big Ten Honorable Mention status by the coaches and media.

Menet decided to return to campus for his senior season, and helped command Penn State’s balanced attack that finished second in the conference in total offense. Furthermore, the Pennsylvania native’s impressive final campaign earned him unanimous Third-Team All-Big Ten honors and a spot in the coveted Senior Bowl.

Throughout the evaluation process, Menet has been labeled a consensus mid day-three prospect. Most scouts slotted the athletic lineman in the fourth to sixth round range, citing his durability as a 34-game starter in the Big Ten as his most impressive attribute.

While the former Nittany Lion may not immediately produce as a starter, his polished technique, leadership, and experience make him an extremely valuable, and reliable, reserve in the trenches.