Penn State is looking to have another strong season on defense this season, and our staff at Nittany Lions Wire sees another good outing from the secondary. The defensive secondary was arguably the best unit on the entire roster in 2021, and 2022 looks to be following up quite admirably with the players coming back.
Our staff focused on the secondary’s leading stars when it came to putting our picks for defensive MVP on the books. And, perhaps, this was an easy pick to make given Joey Porter Jr. and Ji’Ayir Brown are each returning this season. Not surprisingly, these two were at the top of the list for our defensive MVP predictions for the Nittany Lions in 2022.
Of course, it should be mentioned Penn State has some key players at other positions, including PJ Mustipher on the defensive line. But given the way the game is played today and how important the passing game is for offenses in the sport, having some big-time playmakers in the secondary could be immensely valuable.
Here are our picks for Penn State’s defensive MVP this season. For our offensive MVP picks, click here.
Defensive MVP
Sam Dehring, Contributor
@sam_dehring68
Prediction: Ji’Ayir Brown, safety
Now the easy one here would be Joey Porter Jr., rightfully so. However, I’m going with Ji’Ayir Brown here. He has an immense opportunity to raise his draft stock, very likely into being a potential second-round pick. He made an impressive leap in 2021.
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Andrew Harbaugh, Contributor
@MandrewNFL
Prediction: Ji’Ayir Brown, safety
New defensive coordinator Manny Diaz has raved about Brown all offseason, I have every bit to believe that he can make a difference from day one. Diaz always gameplans his safeties to be playmakers so expect a big breakout from Ji’Ayir Brown this year in my opinion.
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Kevin McGuire, Editor
@KevinOnCFB
Prediction: Joey Porter Jr., cornerback
I’ll take the easy layup here and go with the best defensive player on the roster. Joey Porter Jr. returning to the defense is a big win for the Nittany Lions this fall, and I think he will make some key plays against some of the best receivers Penn State will face this season. Ji’Ayir Brown may have more interceptions, but I think Porter’s impact will be tough to match overall.
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