The Penn State Nittany Lions are set to deliver a standout class of 2025 NFL Draft prospects. With top-tier talent on both offense and defense, expect Penn State to make waves across all three days of the draft in April.
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)
- Kaytron Allen, RB (Rounds 6-7)
Abdul Carter’s NFL Draft Projection
With every passing week, Abdul Carter increasingly looks like a guaranteed top-five pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. As a dynamic athlete, he leads the Nittany Lions with 11 sacks and boasts an impressive 22 tackles for loss, both the most in the Big Ten.
This production is even more impressive because 2024 marks Carter’s first year as a full-time pass rusher. The former linebacker displays remarkable flexibility, a rapidly evolving pass-rush technique, and innate instincts that enable him to dominate offensive linemen. His performance underscores his immense potential for success at the NFL level.
Tyler Warren’s NFL Draft Projection
Tyler Warren has become one of college football’s most explosive offensive threats in 2024, amassing 1,355 yards and 12 touchdowns from scrimmage, along with a passing touchdown.
As the winner of the prestigious John Mackey Award, he’s not only in the running to be the first tight end taken in the 2025 NFL Draft, but he also has the potential to be selected in the top 15. Warren’s precise route running, yards-after-catch ability, and physicality make him a highly sought-after prospect.
Nicholas Singleton’s NFL Draft Projection
Nicholas Singleton is a versatile and well-rounded running back with the skills to excel in the NFL. With a powerful combination of toughness, explosive acceleration, and reliable receiving ability, the Penn State standout has the potential to become a featured back at the next level.
His strong vision, elusiveness, and patience further enhance his value, making him an attractive prospect that NFL teams could start eyeing as early as the third round.
Kevin Winston Jr.’s NFL Draft Projection
After a season-ending injury, it was unclear whether Kevin Winston Jr. would enter the 2025 NFL Draft or return for another year at Penn State. Though he didn’t play in the game against SMU, the Nittany Lions’ safety has declared for the draft and remains a standout prospect.
Winston is known for his exceptional ball skills and ability to track passes, making him a constant threat in the secondary. With some of the best tackling abilities in his class, he also boasts a highly refined set of instincts and proactive skills that set him apart.
Dani Dennis-Sutton’s NFL Draft Projection
Dani Dennis-Sutton’s 2024 season has been underwhelming, with just 6.5 sacks, falling short of expectations for his pass-rushing development.
However, at 6’5″ and 272 pounds, the Penn State edge rusher still possesses the physical traits that could catch the attention of NFL teams. His impressive run defense, strong hand usage, and natural power could help him secure a spot in the late Day 2 or early Day 3 range of the draft.
Zane Durant’s NFL Draft Projection
Zane Durant has a decision to make as to whether he declares for the 2025 NFL Draft or not. The Penn State defensive tackle is explosive and a freak athlete and would have otherworldly testing numbers.
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However, at 6’1” and 286 pounds, Durant is undersized for an interior player, which will concern NFL teams despite his potential to be a mismatch for interior offensive linemen.
Jaylen Reed’s NFL Draft Projection
Jaylen Reed projects as a rotational box-playing safety in the NFL, where his physical, aggressive run-blocking and no-nonsense mentality will allow the Nittany Lions’ safety to thrive as a downhill runner. Furthermore, while he offers versatility, the Penn State defensive back is inconsistent in coverage and is rigid when tracking the ball.
Kaytron Allen’s NFL Draft Projection
Singleton and Kaytron Allen have formed one of the most dynamic rushing tandems in college football in 2024. Known for his physical, north-to-south running style, Allen bursts through gaps with a powerful leg drive.
However, he lacks the same speed and elusiveness as his running mate. With the 2025 NFL Draft showcasing one of the deepest running back classes in years, the physical Penn State back may benefit by returning to school next season as a true junior.
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