Eight Nittany Lions were selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, while Curtis Jacobs and Keaton Ellis were signed as undrafted free agents.
As the draftees enter another OTA window, let’s grade how they fit in with their new teams.
Olu Fashanu, New York Jets
The Jets selected Olu Fashanu with the 11th pick of the draft, despite signing 2023 Second-Team All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith and seasoned right tackle Morgan Moses in the offseason.
The two veteran tackles serve as perfect mentors for Fashanu, potentially helping him work instinctually in the run game. Fashanu is likely to be the backup left tackle in 2024 but could see work as a swing tackle.
New York runs an outside zone-heavy scheme, with Breece Hall in position for a big year on the ground. Fashanu will be familiar with the scheme after playing under Mike Yurcich at Penn State.
Fashanu could’ve started Day 1 elsewhere, but his pass-blocking prowess sets him up to be a perfect blindside protector of Aaron Rodgers — if Rodgers stays for 2025.
Grade: A-
Chop Robinson, Miami Dolphins
Under new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, Miami is expected to run a similar scheme to the Ravens’, Weaver’s last destination.
The Ravens ran tons of stunts and pick plays in an elite pass-rushing attack, something that perfectly suits Chop Robinson’s explosiveness.
While Robinson slots in behind Jaelan Phillips as a 3-4 outside linebacker, expect ample pass-rush snaps where Weaver can get creative with Robinson like Manny Diaz did in 2023.
Grade: A-
Caedan Wallace, New England Patriots
Caedan Wallace was drafted by the Patriots No. 68 overall in the third round, giving him a chance to help a team that's offensive line struggled last year.
The biggest hole comes at left tackle, where Wallace could add depth, despite never playing there in college. He did practice there, though.
In Alex Van Pelt’s West Coast offense, the transition could be similar to the Browns’ 2020 No. 10 overall pick Jedrick Wills, who starts at left tackle despite being a right tackle at Alabama.
Their frame is similar, but the blindside position leaves Wallace vulnerable against versatile speed rushers — a concern for him going into the draft.
Grade: C-
Adisa Isaac, Baltimore Ravens
The most productive of the edge-rushing pair, Adisa Isaac joins the Ravens after being selected No. 93 overall.
Hustle and production were the name of the game for Issac, who was team captain and played through the whistle en route to a second-team all-conference nod.
New defensive coordinator Zach Orr will maintain the Ravens’ successful 3-4 front, a quality fit for Issac.
Joining fellow Nittany Lion Odafe Oweh on the edge, Issac has time to get stronger and develop as a rotational player before he receives the full-time nod.
Grade: B
Theo Johnson, New York Giants
Theo Johnson was sent to New York at pick No. 107 in a room devoid of talent.
As starting tight end Darren Waller contemplates retirement, Johnson has a chance to earn play time early on as an athletic, red-zone threat.
The 6-foot-6 Johnson has a similar build to Waller, though he’s considerably heavier. Despite being heavier, Johnson remains an average blocker, limiting him to just a big pass-catcher for Daniel Jones.
With a strong camp, Johnson could shine on an offense looking for playmakers alongside first-round pick Malik Nabers.
Grade: C+
Hunter Nourzad, Kansas City Chiefs
Selected at pick No. 159, Hunter Nourzad is an obvious depth selection behind star center Creed Humphrey. Nourzad may have had a better chance for playtime elsewhere, as he already possesses NFL-caliber strength and punch.
The Penn State and Cornell alum will likely be a sponge, having the intellectual skills to mesh in the league’s best offense.
With the reigning champs, Nourzad gets the chance to develop under offensive line guru Andy Heck, which may prove better than getting thrown into the fire with lower-caliber teams.
Grade: B+
Daequan Hardy, Buffalo Bills
With Pick 219, nickel corner and return specialist Daequan Hardy began packing his bags for Buffalo.
In defensive-minded coach Sean McDermott’s scheme, it’s highly unlikely for Hardy to see playtime in 2024, as rookies rarely play on his defense.
To add, nickel corner Taron Johnson signed a three-year extension this offseason, making it hard for Hardy to overtake the role. He has a long way to go in coverage, too.
His speed and experience as a punt returner make him an intriguing option as a return specialist, but that’s it.
Grade: C
Kalen King, Green Bay Packers
Kalen King’s draft slide didn’t end until pick No. 255, the third to last draft pick in the NFL Draft.
Under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, the Packers have moved to a 4-3 scheme that emphasizes physicality, the lone trait that helped King’s case after a disastrous 2023 campaign.
With that, King will be equipped with the tools to potentially succeed. He also won’t be forced to develop at outside corner, as he saw run at nickel during the Packers’ rookie minicamp.
If King continues to show flashes, his upside makes him a roster lock, as Green Bay may not want to risk putting him on the practice squad and having him stolen away.
Grade: B-
Curtis Jacobs, Kansas City Chiefs (UDFA)
The biggest draft surprise came when linebacker Curtis Jacobs didn’t hear his name called at all during the draft.
Luckily for him though, Andy Reid and company called after.
In Kansas City, Jacobs gets the perfect opportunity to showcase his versatility as a cover guy and blitzer. That’s big for Steve Spagnuolo, the Chiefs’ defensive mastermind who excels at disguising the two approaches.
Jacobs’ biggest flaw is a lack of instincts, but he has tons of upside. Learning behind starting weak-side linebacker Drue Tranquill and middle linebacker Nick Bolton should serve him well as the two shine with their incredible instincts.
Grade: A
Keaton Ellis, Tennessee Titans (UDFA)
Keaton Ellis lit up Penn State’s Pro Day when he ran a 4.43 40-yard dash along with a 39-inch vertical, earning a contract with the Titans following the draft.
Ellis is just 185 pounds, so he’ll likely shift back to cornerback if the Titans deem him too small for free safety.
He isn’t a fit for new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson’s aggressive mindset, but his experience as a core special teamer gives him a chance to compete and make the practice squad off a strong camp.
Grade: D+
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