ESPN has always been a hub for NFL draft content, especially mock drafts. One of their new analysts this year, Jordan Reid, dropped a doozy by giving us a full seven-round mock draft.
With seven full rounds, we get a whopping 262 picks, just like we will on April 28. Based on Jordan Reid’s projection, there could be up to nine Penn State players selected from rounds one through six. On offense, there are just two offensive players being selected, whereas defense makes up six of those selections with punter [autotag]Jordan Stout[/autotag] rounding out the group.
Penn State offense in the draft
On offense, the mock draft had receiver [autotag]Jahan Dotson[/autotag] landing with the Kansas City Chiefs. Dotson with Kansas City would have him in a fun spot to produce right away and be a starter the moment he is drafted. The Chiefs traded away Tyreek Hill this offseason so there is a gap to fill on offense, Dotson would do well in that role.
As for the other player on offense, offensive lineman [autotag]Rasheed Walker[/autotag] was selected by the Baltimore Ravens to address a glaring need in the trenches this offseason for the AFC North franchise. The Ravens need more consistent play from their tackles to protect Lamar Jackson, and Walker could do that and bring some tenacity to the line as well.
NFL draft heavy on Penn State defensive talent
For the defense, Reid’s mock draft had several players heading to teams where they could start immediately. Those players would be [autotag]Jaquan Brisker[/autotag] and [autotag]Arnold Ebiketie[/autotag] to the New York Jets and [autotag]Brandon Smith[/autotag] to the Seattle Seahawks.
For Brisker and Ebiketie to the Jets, they have long been trying to get that defense up to head coach Robert Salah’s standard. Both men could see themselves thrust into starting and meaningful roles as the Jets look to turn the corner.
As for Smith, he would be tasked with replacing a future hall of fame player on a Seahawks defense that has been disappointing as of late. All three guys would be getting a ton of NFL playing time and continue the recent run on Penn State producing quality talent to the NFL.
Who else could be drafted?
Rounding out the rest of the players selected is [autotag]Jesse Luketa[/autotag] to the Baltimore Ravens, [autotag]Tariq Castro-Fields[/autotag] to the Los Angeles Chargers, and star punter Jordan Stout lands with the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams have one of the best offenses in the NFL, so he may not be having to punt very often so be sure to fire up those YouTube punting highlights.
With two weeks until the NFL draft, it will be interesting to see where else this year’s Nittany Lion draft class gets mocked and where they ultimately get drafted.
[mm-video type=video id=01fztqyjdeq7cqhmaqn9 playlist_id=01ey902ehrs6e9bvhw player_id=none image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01fztqyjdeq7cqhmaqn9/01fztqyjdeq7cqhmaqn9-920de4c7d4f6702800f544a04ab5aa2f.jpg]
[listicle id=18045]
Follow Nittany Lions Wire on Twitter and like us on Facebook for continuing Penn State coverage and discussion.
Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.