The SMU Mustangs will face off against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium in the first round of the College Football Playoff. Both teams are coming off defeats in their respective conference championships, and many 2025 NFL Draft prospects are ready to showcase their skills to NFL talent evaluators. Which players will advance their team to the next round?
Penn State 2025 NFL Draft Prospects
- Abdul Carter, EDGE (Round 1)
- Tyler Warren, TE (Round 1)
- Nicholas Singleton, RB (Rounds 3-4)
- Kevin Winston Jr., DB (Rounds 3-4)
- Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE (Rounds 3-4)
- Zane Durant, DL (Rounds 4-6)
- Jaylen Reed, DB (Rounds 5-6)
- Julian Fleming, WR (Rounds 5-7)
- Kaytron Allen, RB (Rounds 6-7)
Abdul Carter’s NFL Draft Projection
With each passing week, Abdul Carter is increasingly looking like a guaranteed top 5 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, landing as the third overall selection in our latest 3-Round 2025 NFL Mock Draft. As an elite athlete, he leads the Nittany Lions with 10 sacks and has an impressive 20 tackles for loss, the highest in the Big Ten.
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This production level is even more remarkable, considering that this is Carter’s first year as a full-time pass rusher. The former linebacker showcases exceptional flexibility, a developing pass-rush strategy, and natural instincts that allow him to overpower offensive linemen, revealing significant potential for success in the NFL.
Tyler Warren’s NFL Draft Projection
Tyler Warren has emerged as one of the top offensive weapons in college football for the 2024 season, racking up 1,253 yards and 10 touchdowns from scrimmage (plus a passing touchdown!). As the winner of the Mackey Award, he is in contention to be the first tight end drafted. His refined route execution, RAC ability, and physicality could see him selected in the teens of the draft.
Nicholas Singleton’s NFL Draft Projection
An all-around running back, Nicholas Singleton can do everything. With imposing toughness, charging acceleration, and receiving ability, the Penn State RB has the skill set to be a feature back in the NFL. Incorporating strong vision, elusiveness, and patience, NFL teams could start looking at Singleton from the third round.
Kevin Winston Jr.’s NFL Draft Projection
After suffering a season-ending injury, it wasn’t certain whether Kevin Winston Jr. would enter the annual selection event or return for another year with Penn State. Despite not playing against SMU, the safety still warrants discussion, having declared for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Winston has hawking ball skills and superb tracking ability. The Penn State defender has some of the strongest tackling ability in the class. Furthermore, he possesses one of the most refined instinctual, proactive skillsets.
Dani Dennis-Sutton’s NFL Draft Projection
With only four sacks in 2024, there is no doubt it has been a disappointing season for Dani Dennis-Sutton. The Penn State edge rusher hasn’t developed his pass rush as expected.
However, at 6’5” and 272 pounds, the Nittany Lions’ defender has the size profile to intrigue NFL teams, while his run blocking, hand usage, and natural power could see him edge into the late Day 2 range.
SMU 2025 NFL Draft Prospects
- Brashard Smith, RB (Rounds 4-5)
- Elijah Roberts, EDGE (Rounds 6-7)
- R.J. Maryland, TE (UDFA)
- Logan Parr, OL (UDFA)
- PJ Williams, OL (UDFA)
Brashard Smith’s NFL Draft Projection
Brashard Smith has been the most dynamic weapon for the Mustangs in 2024 and has made a significant incline up 2025 NFL Draft boards. A converted WR, this is the SMU standout’s first season transitioning to RB, and a magnificent 1,270 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns have led Rhett Lashlee’s team to the playoff.
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Meanwhile, Smith’s 18 scrimmage touchdowns led the ACC.
An early Day 3 selection is calling for Smith, who could follow a similar blueprint to Tyrone Tracy, who was drafted in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Elijah Robert’s NFL Draft Projection
A diligent, industrious edge rusher, Elijah Roberts is a workhorse who could be drafted at the end of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Mustangs defensive lineman is physical and disruptive. However, he doesn’t have the production or run defense chops, and he is extremely raw to be considered anything other than a late-round pickup.
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