From Abdul Carter to Drew Allar, a way-too-early look at Penn State’s 2025 NFL draft class

Penn State is coming off a successful 2024 NFL draft. Olu Fashanu and Chop Robinson were selected in the first round. Adisa Isaac and Caedan Wallace went on Day 2. In total, Penn State had eight players drafted, tied for the fourth-most with Georgia and Oregon.

But the Nittany Lions’ 2025 draft class is even more promising. We’re not sure right now who will and won’t leave. But with the highly-touted and productive 2022 recruiting class eligible, Penn State could reasonably have three or more first-rounders for the first time since 2003.

Here’s a way-too-early look at what could be a banner draft class for James Franklin’s program.

DE Abdul Carter: We’ll start with the standout who’s already garnering top-five buzz. Carter landed at No. 4 overall in 247 Sports’ 2025 mock draft and is a staple in the vast majority of way-too-early exercises. Carter is making the move from linebacker to defensive end, which should significantly enhance his value at the next level. The junior’s explosive first step, power and nose for the football has him poised to be a first-round selection this time next year.

DE Dani Dennis-Sutton: Don’t forget about Carter’s running mate. Dennis-Sutton, a former five-star recruit, has the size (6-foot-5, 270 pounds) and potential to attract first-round interest. Last year, he had six TFLs working as the third edge rusher behind Robinson and Isaac. Now is Dennis-Sutton’s time to shine, especially if Carter draws double teams on the other side.

DB KJ Winston: Speaking of possible first-rounders, Winston is worthy of being in that conversation. Winston is an imposing presence (6-2, 200 pounds) and a sure tackler; he showed that in 2023, his first year as a starter. Winston’s run-stopping grade (90.6) was third among FBS safeties, according to Pro Football Focus. He was also the only FBS safety with 85.0-plus grades in coverage and run defense.

RBs Kaytron Allen, Nick Singleton: Running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider has said several times over the last two years that Penn State has a pair of NFL tailbacks. And he’s right. Allen, the bruising runner with burst, and Singleton, the home-run hitter, have rotated in an effort to keep them fresh for the Nittany Lions. Fewer miles on their tires than other feature backs will attract NFL teams, and both have shown that they’re good enough for the next level.

TE Tyler Warren: Back in February, Dane Brugler, The Athletic’s lead draft evaluator, told PennLive that Warren was “NFL-ready right now.” He could have left and landed on Day 2. But Warren is back to take over a more pronounced role in the offense. He’s no longer fighting for looks with Theo Johnson. Warren could be the team’s No. 1 target.

WR Julian Fleming: Can Fleming live up to his potential as a former five-star prospect? We’re going to find out. Penn State has a vacuum of ready-made talent at receiver. If Fleming, who was stuck behind first-round picks his entire time at Ohio State, can step up and finally become a No. 1 receiver himself, scouts, coaches and executives are going to be interested.

DT Zane Durant: Penn State’s crop of starter-quality defensive tackles — Dvon Ellies, Coziah Izzard, Hakeem Beamon — all have NFL potential. But Durant’s burst on the interior is different. He gave everyone a taste of what he can do with 5 1/2 TFLs as a sophomore. If he can build on that, you’re looking at a top-end option in the right system.

OT Drew Shelton: Fashanu made a seismic leap as a first-year starter. Could his likely successor do the same? Shelton started five times as a freshman in 2022 and was the team’s swing tackle last year. There are other offensive linemen worth considering at the next level, including veteran guard Sal Wormley and guard/tackle JB Nelson. But left tackle is a premium position, and if Shelton starts as expected, he’ll be in the limelight.

QB Drew Allar: We save the most intriguing prospect for last. There’s a reason why ESPN pegged Allar as college football’s “most interesting” quarterback in 2024. The former five-star showed flashes of brilliance and did a great job of taking care of the football (25 touchdowns, two INTs) as a first-year starter. But there’s more to Allar than a glorified game-manager.

We just saw six quarterbacks drafted in the first 12 picks. It’s the most coveted position in the league. If new coordinator Andy Kotelnicki is able to unlock the offense and allow Allar to unleash his cannon arm, there’s no telling how high he can go in the 2025 NFL draft.