Draft day is upon us, folks!

This year, 20 Penn State football players are draft-eligible, with a handful expected to go in the first three rounds.

Our staff decided to predict where each member of the 2026 Nittany Lion draft class will be selected.

Vega Ioane

Cadyn Gill: Miami Dolphins, 11th overall.

Ioane is the best interior offensive lineman available in this class, offering plug-and-play value for a rebuilding Dolphins team that needs starters all over both sides of the ball. While the Baltimore Ravens at 14 is the most popular mock draft position for Ioane, I have a hard time believing Miami will pass on such a safe player at a major position of need.

Oscar Orellana: Baltimore Ravens, 14th overall.

The best lineman in the draft goes to the most run-heavy offense in the league that faced significant turnover on the interior early in free agency. The Ravens need a new big boy paving the way for King Henry and Lamar Jackson. Ioane is that guy.

Jamie Lynch: Baltimore Ravens, 14th overall.

This seems to be the consensus pick, and for good reason. Ioane is the best interior lineman in the draft, and Jackson is in desperate need of protection. Last season, he was the second most pressured quarterback in the league, and would greatly benefit from a 6-foot-4, 320-pound beast in front of him.

Dani Dennis-Sutton

Cadyn Gill: Baltimore Ravens, third round, 80th overall.

The Ravens reportedly hosted Dennis-Sutton for a Top-30 visit, indicating elevated interest. Baltimore signed Trey Hendrickson in free agency to fill the hole they created when they traded away former Penn State pass rusher Odafe Oweh, but the former Cincinnati Bengal is already 31 years old. I think he may go earlier, but Dennis-Sutton’s hot motor and big frame are exactly what the Ravens covet in a defensive end.

Oscar Orellana: Philadelphia Eagles, second round, 54th overall.

The Eagles need some depth at edge with Jaelen Phillips’ departure to Carolina in free agency. Dennis-Sutton reportedly met with the Eagles leading up to the draft, and I wouldn’t be surprised if his incredibly strong outings at the combine and Penn State’s Pro Day elevated his stock to the second round.

It’s also important to consider Dennis-Sutton’s special teams capabilities in addition to his edge rushing. He’s a package deal that I think an aggressive team like the Eagles won’t be afraid to bite on earlier than expected.

Jamie Lynch: Philadelphia Eagles, third round, 68th overall.

The Birds are looking for an edge rusher, and Dennis-Sutton may be just what the doctor ordered. It’s no secret that the Penn State-Philadelphia pipeline is strong, not to mention that the Eagles are Dennis-Sutton’s hometown team. Philly also has a second-round selection at No. 54 overall, so depending on how high he sits on the team’s board, there’s also a world where he sneaks into late-round two.

Zakee Wheatley

Cadyn Gill: Dallas Cowboys, third round, 92nd overall.

If I were a general manager, I’d take Wheatley as early as the second round. His blend of length, fluidity, turnover production, and positional versatility makes him an uber-attractive defensive back prospect. He didn’t blow scouts away with his athletic testing, but his film shows he is more than equipped to handle business on the back end of a defense.

The Cowboys are devoted to fixing their god-awful defense, and Wheatley would fit perfectly into newly hired defensive coordinator Christian Parker’s scheme, which requires defensive backs to have versatility and range.

Oscar Orellana: Chicago Bears, third round, 89th overall.

The Bears lost former Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but I don’t think the Steelers will take Wheatley for a Penn State homecoming in the secondary. The Bears could use some extra help at the top level, and Wheatley can learn quickly under experienced guys like Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon. Wheatley is sticky and follows the football extremely well, which is important in a star-studded position player division like the NFC North.

Jamie Lynch: Dallas Cowboys, third round, 92nd overall.

The Dallas secondary is in desperate need of some help, and I’m extremely high on Wheatley. The “Takeaway King” put his athleticism on full display at the 2026 Pro Day, and I believe he has the play-making abilities to be a real game-changer on Christian Parker’s squad.

The Cowboys allowed the third-most yards in the league last season, and the most passing yards. Wheatley’s speed and versatility could be an immediate game-changer.

Drew Allar

Cadyn Gill: Miami Dolphins, third round, 90th overall.

Allar is truly the most frustrating quarterback I’ve ever watched.

At his best, I’ve seen him make countless big-time throws into tight windows, maneuver a collapsing pocket with precision, and, of course, he possesses prototypical pocket-passing measurables at 6’5″, 230 pounds. But on a down-in, down-out basis, the consistency and anticipation simply isn’t there.

The Dolphins possess an absurd amount of ammunition in the 2026 NFL Draft, including seven selections in the top 100 picks. It would be wise for them to add a high-ceiling quarterback like Allar to compete in a room that includes Malik Willis, who has played just 22 career games, and Quinn Ewers, who is clearly not an NFL starter.

Sitting at 75th, 87th, and 90th, Miami is in a prime position to snatch Allar up before Pittsburgh at pick 85 or Los Angeles at pick 93.

Oscar Orellana: Los Angeles Rams, third round, 93rd overall.

It’s been a wild ride, Drew. It’s clear that his lackluster showing in 2025, combined with his ankle injury, derailed what would have been a first-round case, but there’s no shame in slipping a few rounds. The Rams have to start thinking about the post-Matthew Stafford era, and a year or two learning behind the 2025 NFL MVP with Sean McVay at the helm can do wonders for Allar to learn the ropes.

McVay loves his pocket passers, after all, and Allar’s strong arm and huge frame make him a tantalizing pick at No. 93 for Los Angeles if he’s still available.

Jamie Lynch: Pittsburgh Steelers, third round, 85th overall.

Allar was a projected top-five pick last season by many before he announced his return to Happy Valley. Although he failed to live up to expectations at times over the course of his college career, I still place a lot of that on the Penn State coaching staff and their ~ questionable ~ offensive schemes.

Scouts are very high on Allar’s arm talent, and for good reason. The kid has a cannon. With the right people to develop him, Allar has a chance to excel. I think the Steelers will take a chance on him in the third round.

Kaytron Allen

Cadyn Gill: San Francisco 49ers, fourth round, 139th overall.

Kaytron Allen is too good a player not to get snaps in the NFL. I don’t believe he’s an every-down back, but in the right system, I can easily see him being a consistent short-yardage and pass-protecting back.

Christian McCaffery is injury-prone, so using the last of their four fourth-round selections to bolster the depth behind the 29-year-old and add a ferocious runner who never missed a college game would be wise.

Oscar Orellana: Green Bay Packers, fourth round, 120th overall.

Fatman to the Frozen Tundra? The Packers really don’t have any running back depth behind Josh Jacobs, and Allen is known for his complementary play. He’s not selfish and won’t mind sort of playing in Jacobs’ shadow, so to speak. He’ll just put his head down and ram people over like Penn State fans saw him do for four years. It’d be a good tandem in the back field as the Packers try to get out of Wild Card purgatory.

Jamie Lynch: Las Vegas Raiders, fourth round, 134th overall.

Despite having a better senior season than Singleton, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Allen be selected second among the tandem. While the Raiders got everything they could have hoped for and more in Ashton Jeanty’s rookie season, they are still in search of another running back to bolster the room. Fatman excels in early down situations and would be a powerful complement to help ease Jeanty’s load next season.

Nick Singleton

Cadyn Gill: Baltimore Ravens, fifth round,154th overall.

Singleton was the lightning to Kaytron Allen’s thunder for four years at Penn State, and that dynamic would continue as Derrick Henry’s backup if the Ravens selected him. Singleton doesn’t have the vision or contact balance for a consistent NFL workload, but I can already imagine the chunk plays he could contribute to Baltimore’s offense on read options when Lamar forces an extra defensive lineman to stay home. Those open lanes would maximize Singleton’s acceleration ability in the open field, while also keeping 32-year-old Henry fresh.

Oscar Orellana: New York Jets, fifth round, 179th overall.

It’s no secret that Singleton’s stock dramatically plummeted following his 2025 down year despite his 13-touchdown mark. He’s going to have to work for a consistent backup spot, and I think the Jets can take a shot on him behind Breece Hall. Singleton is experienced and knows how to find the end zone, but how much is 2025 tarnishing his depiction as an NFL-caliber tailback?

Jamie Lynch: Houston Texans, fourth round, 106th overall.

There’s no doubt that Singleton’s foot surgery lowered his draft stock, but a strong performance at the 2026 NFL Combine showed scouts just the kind of talent he would bring to a franchise. The Texans could look to add running back depth to their depth chart, and I could see Singleton coming off the board as early as the third round. His receiving abilities and size alone make the Penn State all-time touchdown leaders an intriguing option.

Drew Shelton

Cadyn Gill: Buffalo Bills, sixth round, 182nd overall.

Shelton is an athletic tackle who lacks the power needed to start on an NFL offensive line. I see a vision of him sitting behind Pro Bowl left tackle Dion Dawkins, adding bulk and power to his game. He’d also have a buddy in Buffalo with former Penn State offensive lineman Connor McGovern.

Oscar Orellana: New York Giants, fifth round, 145th overall.

Shelton hasn’t missed a game for Penn State at left tackle over the past two seasons (besides the Pinstripe Bowl). The Giants need some of that consistency to continue the Jaxson Dart experiment, even if it takes Shelton a little time to acclimate to NFL speed.

Jamie Lynch: New York Giants, fifth round, 145th overall.

Shelton brings reliability to a Giants offensive line that has been a victim of injury and inconsistency. While not a flashy pick, he could provide much-needed athleticism and run-blocking abilities to New York’s average unit.

Nick Dawkins

Cadyn Gill: Undrafted free agent, Chicago Bears.

Dawkins might not have the moving power or anchor in pass protection, but he is a high-IQ, fluid center that can certainly provide depth to a unit. The Bears brought in Garrett Bradbury from New England this offseason, but they don’t have anyone dependable behind him. Dawkins is a proven leader in the locker room who could fill in for Bradbury if needed.

Oscar Orellana: Undrafted free agent, Philadelphia Eagles.

I know Dawkins met with the Eagles around a week ago, and Philadelphia could use some extra offensive line depth. Just sign the hometown kid and give him a chance to prove himself.

Jamie Lynch: Undrafted free agent, Philadelphia Eagles.

As I mentioned before, the Pennsylvania pipeline is strong. The two-year Penn State captain had a meeting with Philly and could provide the Birds with depth, athleticism, and great leadership.

Zane Durant

Cadyn Gill: Los Angeles Chargers, sixth round, 204th overall.

Durant is an uber-athletic pass rusher, but I wonder if his smaller frame will limit his NFL potential. The Chargers have Teair Tart and Dalvin Tomlinson at defensive tackle, but there isn’t much depth behind them. Line Durant up in the B-gap, and watch him beat guards with his twitch and get-off.

Oscar Orellana: Cincinnati Bengals, fourth round, 110th overall.

The Bengals really need all the help they can get along the defensive line. Cincinnati boasted arguably the worst run defense in 2025, and Durant’s sneaky athleticism and vibrant on-field personality can inject some life into the Bengals. It’d be a nice fit and a solid draft position for Durant, who turned heads with his NFL Combine performance.

Shoutout darealbabyzane.

Jamie Lynch: Green Bay Packers, fifth round, 163rd overall.

Durant could be a big sleeper in the 2026 NFL Draft, but I still see him going mid-day three. The Packers need a defensive tackle, and Durant’s speed makes him a viable choice. He is undersized for his position, standing at 6-foot-1, 294 pounds, but has surprising power and is effective against both the pass and run.

Khalil Dinkins

Cadyn Gill: Undrafted free agent, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Dinkins was never a pass-catching threat at Penn State, but he moved defenders as a run blocker. Tampa Bay has developed a fair share of solid tight ends in recent years, so why not add Dinkins as an undrafted free agent for depth behind Cade Otton?

Oscar Orellana: Undrafted free agent, Pittsburgh Steelers.

Dinkins was outshone by Luke Reynolds and Andrew Rappleyea in 2025 despite being the most experienced tight end on the team. His performance will land him nowhere near a draft selection, but the Steelers can pick him up and unite him with Pat Freiermuth for some confidence-building.

Dinkins will probably have to earn a spot on special teams or chill on the practice squad while working on his tight end skills. His blocking is his strongest suit, but his lack of pass-catching skill doesn’t warrant a draft selection.

Jamie Lynch: Undrafted free agent, New York Jets.

New York has a young tight end room that didn’t see much production in 2025. I certainly don’t envision Dinkins competing for a starting role, but he could provide depth and perhaps compete for enhanced playing time in a few years. There’s a chance the Jets elect to take Kenyon Sadiq out of Oregon at No. 16, which may have a bearing on this outcome, however.

Nolan Rucci

Cadyn Gill: Undrafted free agent, Indianapolis Colts.

Rucci is a mountain of a man, but truthfully, it works against him more often than not. He consistently plays at a poor, hunched-over pad level, which isn’t ideal for an offensive tackle. Rucci’s 34-inch arms are a great tool for a team like the Colts, who have a glaring hole at right tackle, to take a chance on and develop.

Oscar Orellana: Undrafted free agent, Indianapolis Colts.

Rucci didn’t flash as much as he would’ve hoped near the end of his Penn State career, but he has experience playing both guard and tackle. I still just don’t see him being selected, but he would be a priority free-agent pickup.

Jamie Lynch: Undrafted free agent, Indianapolis Colts.

Rucci had a meeting scheduled with the Colts, and Indy could use the former five-star recruit as an offensive line depth piece. There’s no denying the Penn State offensive line underwent serious regression in 2025, but Rucci has a lot of potential to succeed with proper development. His versatility and size could give him that opportunity in Naptown.

Tyler Duzansky

Cadyn Gill: Undrafted free agent, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Long snappers don’t get drafted, so full transparency, I googled “2025 long snapper stats” and found Tampa’s guy at the bottom of the list. Boom. Enjoy the Sunshine State, Tyler.

Oscar Orellana: Undrafted free agent, New York Giants.

As much as I would love to see Duzansky get drafted, there’s not a good chance a team spends a draft pick on a long snapper. There have only been two drafted since 2021, so it isn’t impossible, but Duzansky probably won’t move the needle.

The Patrick Mannelly Award finalist should be a priority free agent, though. You don’t realize how valuable a good long snapper is until yours messes up. The Giants could pair him up with freshly signed former Penn State punter Jordan Stout.

Jamie Lynch: Undrafted free agent, Tennessee Titans.

Long snappers typically get the short end of the stick when it comes to the NFL Draft. While I don’t think Duzansky will be selected, he is incredibly talented at what he does. And, hey, Chris Stoll just won a Super Bowl as Seattle’s long snapper, so Penn State has a history of professional success at the position.

If Duzansky were to go to Tennessee, he would be lined up to replace five-time Pro Bowler Morgan Cox, who turns 40 in less than a week.

Devonte Ross

Cadyn Gill: Undrafted free agent, New Orleans Saints.

At 5’9″, 162 pounds, Ross’ main attribute is his burst and vertical speed. The Saints historically have found success with smaller wide receivers, including Tommylee Lewis (5’7″) and Deonte Harty (5’6″). They also recently traded away their main deep threat and kick returner, Rashid Shaheed, to the Seahawks last season. I could see them signing Ross as an undrafted free agent to contribute to either facet.

Oscar Orellana: Undrafted free agent, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Ross will likely have to make a name for himself in the return game and must stand out in camp as a deep-threat wideout. He could be useful in the slot, which Tampa Bay and Baker Mayfield gravitate towards. He’d have to battle with Tez Johnson, but Johnson works more on quick passes. Ross can slip behind a defense easily, providing a contrast despite both of their similar builds.

Jamie Lynch: Undrafted free agent, Miami Dolphins.

It’s been a rough year for Dolphins fans, who lost both Tyreek Hill and Jalen Waddle in the offseason. The Fins are in desperate need of help at the position, and Ross provides a great deep ball threat that the team could be looking for.

Trebor Peña

Cadyn Gill: Undrafted free agent, Cincinnati Bengals.

Peña is a shifty slot receiver who can do a lot of damage behind the line of scrimmage with screens and end-arounds, which could be valuable in the high-octane Bengals offense.

Oscar Orellana: Undrafted free agent, Baltimore Ravens.

The Ravens need reliable hands at receiver, and Peña showed flashes through his lone Penn State season. It quickly became apparent that he was Ethan Grunkemeyer’s favorite target, primarily coming out of the slot. If Peña can work on his blocking and refine his return game to be more elusive, he could be a solid pickup for Baltimore when it’s all said and done.

Jamie Lynch: Undrafted free agent, New Orleans Saints.

The Pinstripe Bowl MVP had two of his best performances in the first and final games of the season. Despite this, he is a reliable wideout who showed that he can excel with the right people around him. The former All-ACC athlete is speedy and can help a shallow New Orleans receiver room.

Liam Clifford

Cadyn Gill: Undrafted free agent, New England Patriots.

Clifford is a high-effort guy. He’ll fit right in with the Patriots (maybe).

Oscar Orellana: Undrafted free agent, Cincinnati Bengals.

Reunite him with his brother… I guess?

Jamie Lynch: Undrafted free agent, Jacksonville Jaguars.

I can’t explain it, but Clifford screams Jaguar. I can’t wait to watch him and Parker Washington tear it up in Duval together.

Kyron Hudson

Cadyn Gill: Undrafted free agent, Minnesota Vikings.

Hudson has a large frame, which he uses to box out defenders and create a large catch radius. The Vikings need wide receiver depth, so why not reunite him with his former USC Trojan teammate Jordan Addison?

Oscar Orellana: Undrafted free agent, San Francisco 49ers.

Hudson is a big receiver. He showed that he can dominate defensive backs with contested catches. While he left a lot to be desired in his transfer season, I think Hudson can flourish under the right development and leadership.

Where better than San Francisco? The 49ers have a consistently solid wide receiver room and one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the league in Brock Purdy. The signing would be low-risk, high-reward, and Hudson can go back to California.

Jamie Lynch: Undrafted free agent, Atlanta Falcons.

Hudson didn’t live up to expectations during his lone season in Happy Valley. That being said, he has demonstrated the ability to make contested catches, and his hands are reliable. The Falcons need help at wideout, so I could see them taking a chance on Hudson following the draft.

Dominic DeLuca

Cadyn Gill: Undrafted free agent, Detroit Lions.

The former walk-on from Penn State is no stranger to hard work and effort. Dan Campbell’s culture is perfect for a guy like DeLuca. Plus, they just lost Alex Anzalone in free agency.

Oscar Orellana: Undrafted free agent, New England Patriots.

DeLuca has always signed the Patriot way to me. He just puts his head down and works, and I appreciate that about him. He’d probably be in a strict special teams role, but there’s no downside for the Patriots to call DeLuca for a little trial run.

Jamie Lynch: Undrafted free agent, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

I can’t envision DeLuca getting much playing time, but the Bucs are in need of linebacker depth. Why not go for Penn State’s favorite walk-on? His performance in the SMU playoff game will always hold a place in my heart.

Alonzo Ford Jr.

Cadyn Gill: Undrafted free agent, Chicago Bears.

Chicago displayed one of the worst run defenses in the league in 2025, so adding a run-stopping nose tackle like Ford Jr., who can play multiple gaps, certainly wouldn’t hurt.

Oscar Orellana: Undrafted free agent, New York Jets.

I think Ford is a better player than the stat sheet shows. He provides value by plugging gaps and is a prominent presence on the defensive line. The Jets need all the help they can get, so why not pick up Ford?

Jamie Lynch: Undrafted free agent, Buffalo Bills.

Buffalo needs help at the defensive tackle position. Ford is not the immediate answer, but his strength and run-stopping abilities could provide some depth insurance to Jim Leonhard’s squad.

Gabriel Nwosu

Cadyn Gill: Undrafted free agent, New York Jets.

When you have an offense as bad as the Jets will have in 2026, you need a punter with a massive leg, who can pin teams deep and flip field position in your favor. Let’s get Big Gabe to the Big Apple.

Oscar Orellana: Undrafted free agent, Baltimore Ravens.

It’s bittersweet to see Big Gabe go, but it’s his time to bring his punting prowess to an NFL stadium near you. The Ravens lost former Penn State punter Jordan Stout to the Giants in free agency, so why not run it back with another Nittany Lion? The Ravens also currently have former Oklahoma punter Luke Elzinga on the roster, who hasn’t punted in the NFL after departing from the Sooners in 2024.

Jamie Lynch: Undrafted free agent, Baltimore Ravens.

Big booms coming to B-More soon. The 6-foot-6, 292-pounder stepped into the punter role early last season and hasn’t looked back. The man can kick and would serve the Ravens well, a team that is in search of a true starter at the position.

Riley Thompson

Cadyn Gill: Undrafted free agent, Washington Commanders.

Finding a roster spot as a starting college punter is really hard. Finding one as a backup college punter? Even harder. I guess Thompson could serve as insurance against an injury to Tress Way?

Oscar Orellana: Undrafted free agent, Los Angeles Rams.

I don’t think Thompson will make a 53-man roster come cut time, but he can try to make a name for himself in training camp. I don’t know, I think it’s a little difficult to become a starting NFL punter when you lost your job in college. He could find a way in as a holder, but who knows?

The Rams play the 49ers in Australia in week one, and that would be a nice homecoming for Thompson. They’re both also relatively close to Australia compared to the rest of the league. He could be like an Australian ambassador for the NFL if things don’t work out. Did I mention he’s from Australia?

Jamie Lynch: Undrafted free agent, San Francisco 49ers.

The 49ers signed left-footed punter Corliss Waitman to their squad. It might benefit them to add a righty like Riley Thompson to give the team some options.