Checking in on the draft stock of some key Penn State prospects
We are getting to the crucial games of the season. Penn State blew out Minnesota without Tanner Morgan with a final score of 45-17 last weekend, however, the Gophers’ defense struggled quite a bit and had a tough time stopping Penn State’s offense for much of the game.
After a big win over Minnesota, Penn State will once again be back home to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes. That will be crucial games for some key NFL draft prospects for the Nittany Lions.
Penn State’s defense has some key players that have had impressive seasons. Joey Porter Jr. and Ji’Ayir Brown are perfect examples of that. Porter Jr. has been featured in multiple first-round mock drafts for the 2023 NFL Draft.
Penn State is coming off a win off their bye week. A very impressive win, too.
So, what is the draft looking like for some key Nittany Lions prospects? Let’s take a look.
Joey Porter Jr. - Stock Up
STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 24: Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Finn Hogan #17 of the Central Michigan Chippewas during the second half at Beaver Stadium on September 24, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Joey Porter Jr. continues to impress this season. In 2022, he has allowed just 11 receptions and 10 forced incompletions, according to PFF. Last season, Porter Jr. had 40 tackles, four pass deflections and an interception. He has been featured in several first-round mock drafts throughout the college football season, and it’s clear to see why. Penn State just blew out Minnesota 45-17 this past weekend. The Nittany Lions take on the Buckeyes for the Big Noon Saturday game. That will be a massive test for Porter Jr. and the rest of the Penn State defense, going up against an elite Ohio State offense.
Parker Washington - Stock Up
Oct 22, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Parker Washington (3) runs with the ball while trying not to be pushed out of bounds by Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Beanie Bishop (7) during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
Parker Washington is quietly raising his draft stock. The thing is, there are plenty of talented wide receivers in this upcoming draft class that Washington sometimes goes unnoticed. But not this week. Sean Clifford got multiple players involved on the offense, something he has been very good at, especially this season. Washington doesn’t have jaw-dropping stats, and he isn’t on any leaderboard. But, he still does what he needs to do to help Penn State win football games.
Mitchell Tinsley - Stock Down
STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 24: Wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley #5 of the Penn State Nittany Lions catches a pass for a touchdown against the Central Michigan Chippewas during the first half at Beaver Stadium on September 24, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Like Washington, Tinsley doesn’t have stats that pop out. But, he has started to become more productive in Penn State’s offense. However, it does kind of seem like Tinsley would be a more key piece in Penn State’s offense. However, Tinsley did have an impressive catch in the second quarter last night against Minnesota. But again, he is going to have to do more to really help boost his draft stock.
Brenton Strange - Stock stayed the same
STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 01: Brenton Strange #86 of the Penn State Nittany Lions leaps to avoid the tackle of Cameron Mitchell #2 of the Northwestern Wildcats and score a touchdown during the first half at Beaver Stadium on October 1, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
The tight ends dominated last night against Minnesota. Brenton Strange had just one catch for five yards against Minnesota coming off their bye week. Penn State has a talented room of tight ends, but Strange did not do much against the Gophers. However, in terms of talent, he is the most talented tight on Penn State’s roster. Strange did not really do anything drastic to lower his draft stock. However, he also did not do much to raise his draft stock either.
Ji'Ayir Brown - Stock Up
Oct 22, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions safety Ji’Ayir Brown (16) avoids a tackle while running with the ball following an interception during the third quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Minnesota 45-17. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
Ji’A’yir Brown continues to impress for impress for Penn State’s defense. He had an interception against Minnesota and continues to be a key focal point on Penn State’s defense. Will he be a first-round pick? Probably not. But, can he rise his draft stock and go as high as the second round? That is possible. Brown also brings plenty of experience to the table, especially as a draft prospect. He has played over 200 snaps lined up as a safety and well over 100 snaps lined up as a slot. His athleticism is a key trait that stands out for him as a draft prospect, and Brown has had a 2022 season that has been nothing short of impressive thus far.
Penn State has had plenty of their success coming from their defense in terms of their draft prospects. However, their offensive talent certainly doesn’t go unnoticed, and players like Washington, Strange and Tinsley have had productive 2022 seasons thus far.
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