Frank Bodani, York Daily Record
·4 min read
Penn State football has seen four of its best players last season taken in the first three rounds of the the 2024 NFL Draft Thursday and Friday in Detroit.
Offensive tackle Olu Fashanu was taken 11th overall by the New York Jets and edge rusher Chop Robinson was snagged by the Miami Dolphins with the 21st pick on Thursday. They were joined by former teammates Caedan Wallace and Adisa Isaac who both went in Friday's third round; OT Wallace 68th overall to the New England Patriots and edge rusher Isaac 93rd to the Baltimore Ravens.
Rounds 4-7 begin at noon on Saturday.
More: 'He's a mauler.' What Aaron Rodgers thinks of Penn State football's Olu Fashanu
Here are the best fits for the remaining Penn State players in the NFL draft:
TE Theo Johnson falls to day 3; Houston could be an option
Theo Johnson owns rare size-speed-athleticism traits for his position which can make him a mismatch for NFL defenses. He must improve his blocking to median-NFL levels to ensure early, extended playing time.
PSU's push in 2024: 5 things Penn State football must do to elevate, reach playoffs in 2024
The Washington Commanders were in need to develop a new starter here behind aging Zach Ertz, but took Kansas State TE Ben Sinnott in the second round. the Houston Texans are a good bet a bit later, according to NFL.com's seven-round projections, and have the 27th pick of the fourth round.
CB Kalen King to the Pittsburgh Steelers or New Orleans Saints in 4th round or Philadelphia Eagles in 5th round
Kalen King's projections vary more than most anyone, linked to his lack of on-field production in 2023 and his ensuing struggles on the postseason all-star game and workout circuits. Predictions range from the third to the sixth round.
Still, there's talent to mine here and the Steelers could view him as a possible counterpart to their Penn State cornerback choice from a year ago, Joey Porter, Jr. King also could add immediate value on special teams.
OL Hunter Nourzad to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 4th round or Buffalo Bills or Denver Broncos in 5th round
One of the most versatile (started at three positions) and intelligent (engineering degree, Cornell) offensive linemen in the draft.
The Ivy League transfer might even be higher here if a fibula injury had not kept him from testing and working out for teams this winter. No matter, the Steelers, among others, need proven interior line help, even if they must wait a bit to reap the rewards.
LB Curtis Jacobs to the Houston Texans in 4th round or Philadelphia Eagles or Kansas City Chiefs in 5th round
Another impressively versatile performer, Curtis Jacobs adds high-level athletic traits to the ability to play multiple linebacker spots and special teams. Despite lacking elite pursuit speed, he increased his big-play production as a Penn State senior, a potentially important "tell" for his future.
He is alluring to teams in need of a linebacking rebuild (Eagles) or those simply wanting to employ a multi-dimensional defender across the field (Chiefs).
CB Daequan Hardy to the Buffalo Bills in 6th round or Dallas Cowboys in 6th or 7th rounds
Daequan Hardy's impressive offerings as a multi-use cornerback and special teams' returner won't be valued higher because of his lack of size (5-foot-11) and breakneck speed.
Then again, he's been an undervalued, do-everything performer since his high school days at Penn Hills. He's used to surprising, to proving doubters wrong.
A team like Dallas could use him exclusively as a special-teamer to start and earn plenty of immediate value for this late pick.
CB Johnny Dixon to the Houston Texans or Las Vegas Raiders in 6th round or undrafted free agent
Johnny Dixon certainly would be slated higher if he had played (and performed well) in Penn State's Peach Bowl and not had nearly his entire winter washed away by injury. NFL teams haven't been able to verify the skills that made him a unique, two-year cornerback at Penn State − an ultra-aggressive, physical defender with a penchant for sacking the quarterback.
Frank Bodani covers Penn State sports for the York Daily Record and USA Today Network. Contact him at fbodani@ydr.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @YDRPennState.
This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Final day of NFL Draft: Penn State football prospects projections
