Penn State football is renowned for consistently producing NFL talent. This year, several former Nittany Lions were selected in the NFL Draft. Between Abdul Carter, Tyler Warren, and several others, Penn State has established itself as a significant contributor to the NFL with this class of players.

Some of our staffers compiled picks for who they believe will have an immediate impact on their new team this year.

Fernando Martinez Ruiz De Esparza: Tyler Warren, Indianapolis Colts

Expect Tyler Warren to make an instant impact on the struggling Colts offense. Once again, the Colts are not starting the same starting quarterback as last season, as they will go with Daniel Jones instead of Anthony Richardson. That means Jones will have to get adjusted to a new system and whenever a quarterback is adjusting to a new system, the tight end is always the safety blanket.

This is where Warren excelled last season when Drew Allar struggled to throw the ball to his wide receivers. Jones can’t throw the ball that far so that means that a lot of short passes are poised to be heading in his direction. No matter who the quarterback is in Indianapolis, I expect Warren to have a significant impact on this Colts offense. Don’t be surprised if he scores a lot of touchdowns and leads the team in receiving yards this season.

Oscar Orellana: KJ Winston, Tennessee Titans

I really don’t want to take the obvious answers of Abdul Carter or Tyler Warren just because they’ll have national eyes on them as soon as they step on the field. However, Penn State’s third selection of the 2025 NFL Draft was safety KJ to a Titans team that desperately needed any semblance of hope after a disastrous 2024.

Obviously, Cam Ward is at the helm now, but the Titans’ defense still doesn’t look like a top 20 unit. Sure, there are veterans like defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day and star cornerback L’Jarius Sneed coming back from injury, but Winston can definitely make some noise in the secondary if the Titans lose grasp on their season within the first few weeks, which I think they will. Reps, reps, and reps are the only thing that’ll develop Winston. I think he’ll actually get them and create some big turnovers that he wasn’t able to make in his final season as a Nittany Lion.

Remember, folks, Winston was projected to be a first-round pick in early mock drafts before getting injured. Penn State’s 2024 season could have looked entirely different if Winston were in there managing the secondary. The talent is there, the opportunity is definitely there, and I really think he’ll be a name of note in the NFL discourse come week 18.

James Russell: KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Los Angeles Chargers

Although he finished his collegiate career as a Tiger, KeAndre Lambert-Smith was once a coveted weapon for the Nittany Lions. Lambert-Smith thrived in Auburn’s offense, posting a career-high 981 receiving yards on 50 catches to go along with eight touchdowns and a second-team all-SEC nod.

Lambert-Smith landed with the Los Angeles Chargers in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft back in April and has been turning heads throughout training camp and the preseason. The Chargers give Lambert-Smith a real shot to be productive at the professional level, especially with Justin Herbert behind center.

The Chargers’ wide receiver room is chock-full of question marks. Lambert-Smith’s immediate competition for the third wide receiver role will be Quentin Johnston, who has had issues with dropping passes, and a 33-year-old Kennan Allen. I believe he will complement fellow rookie Tre Harris and Ladd McConkey this season and be a mainstay in the Chargers’ offense.

Ben Rosenbaum: Kobe King, Minnesota Vikings

My Penn State breakout rookie prediction is linebacker Kobe King. The former captain is coming off a strong season with momentum on his side. Listed as second on the Vikings depth chart in the right linebacker position, I could see King surprising people and having a breakout rookie campaign.

Cadyn Gill: KJ Winston, Tennessee Titans

With reports that Kevin Winston Jr. returned to practice for the Tennessee Titans last week, it’s easy to imagine the former Nittany Lion could really contribute some high-quality safety play to the Titans’ scrappy secondary. A true free safety, Winston Jr. possesses incredible range, closing speed, and ball instincts that are highly coveted for defending explosive plays downfield. Returning to 100% from a major knee injury will take time, but it’s realistic to assume he’ll be back before the team’s week 10 bye.

Michael Zeno: Abdul Carter, New York Giants

Is it really a breakout if he was the best edge rusher in the draft? Micah Parsons, who just reset the edge market, said that Abdul will be better than him, and I believe it.

Carter was outstanding in training camp for the Giants, and, while they limited his preseason snaps, he stood out in a big way by manhandling Pro Bowl tackle Dion Dawkins in a live game rep multiple times. Carter has special bend and speed off the edge, and it’s not a matter of if he succeeds in the NFL, it’s how quickly he cements himself as one of the best at his position.

Cooper Cazares: Tyler Warren, Indianapolis Colts

Tyler Warren is a generational type of talent. He developed into one of the all-time greats when at Penn State, becoming Drew Allar’s only real receiving threat throughout the season. Because of his ability to carry a significant offensive load, the Indianapolis Colts will prove to be a great situation for him.

Now I would be lying if I wasn’t worried about his quarterback, whether that be Daniel Jones or Anthony Richardson. I would say they are far below the standard that Warren had with Allar; however, I think this will come as a benefit. I could see the tight end become a great check-down receiver, allowing him to show off his RAC abilities. Don’t be surprised if Warren instantly becomes a must-have piece to the offense and makes an immediate impact as Indianapolis’ leading pass catcher.