Penn State and the 2024 NFL draft: How many Nittany Lions could go next year?

The 2023 NFL draft concluded Saturday. Let’s not waste time. Expect to see a huge Penn State presence in the 2024 draft.

James Franklin’s Nittany Lions were well-represented in this year’s event, with cornerback Joey Porter Jr., tight end Brenton Strange, center Juice Scruggs and safety Ji’Ayir Brown leading the way.

Next year? Don’t be surprised if 10 or more Penn State players are picked in 2024.

Here’s one early list of PSU possibilities, mentioned in alphabetical order.

Johnny Dixon

The South Carolina transfer corner has improved every year in State College and is expected to start opposite Kalen King in the fall. The 6-foot, 193-pound Dixon made six starts last season and contributed 23 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss (three sacks), 10 pass breakups, two interceptions and a forced fumble. Dixon also made eight starts for South Carolina in 2020.

Olu Fashanu

The biggest Penn State name to know entering the 2023 season, Fashanu was dominant at left tackle in his first full year as starter (2022). He did not allow a sack in eight games, and a prominent NFL Draft expert had Fashanu rated as his top offensive tackle prospect for the 2023 draft. But Fashanu opted to come back for a fourth season. The 6-6, 323-pounder was a second-team All-Big Ten pick. Impressive feet, great strength, Fashanu already looks the part of a first-round pick.

Adisa Isaac

The Lions’ defensive end room features three of the most disruptive players in the Big Ten. Isaac is the most experienced, and the 6-4, 248-pounder had some standout efforts in 2022, compiling 11 tackles for loss, four sacks and eight quarterback hurries.

Curtis Jacobs

Need a linebacker with speed? Not many are faster than the 6-1, 235-pound Jacobs, a fourth-year outside linebacker who enters the fall having made 23 career starts. Jacobs has amassed 113 tackles (68 solos), 14.5 tackles for loss (seven sacks), two fumble recoveries and two interceptions during the last two seasons.

Theo Johnson

The Lions are replacing a talented tight end (Strange), but Johnson and Tyler Warren are a formidable 1-2 punch at the position. The 6-6, 256-pound Johnson has the speed of a wideout and caught four touchdown passes in 2022. Johnson is a top receiving threat who has room to improve as a blocker.

Kalen King

Porter is gone, but King is back and is one of the top corners in the Big Ten. The twin brother of Penn State linebacker Kobe King, Kalen led the Lions in pass breakups (18) and intercepted three passes. If he duplicates his 2022 showing, or improves on it, King will be in contention for All-American honors. Entering his third year, Kalen figures to leave PSU early and King should be an early pick — maybe a first-round pick — in the 2024 draft.

KeAndre Lambert-Smith

Was Lambert-Smith’s big Rose Bowl effort (124 yards, TD) a sign of things to come? The fourth-year wideout has been a contributor in the Lions’ passing game since his true freshman season. But Penn State leaned on Jahan Dotson and Parker Washington from 2020 to 2022. He is expected to be the No. 1 receiver, and a 50-catch season will open more eyes.

Chop Robinson

Adisa Isaac and Robinson are two feared rush men in a room that also includes rapidly developing terror Dani Dennis-Sutton. Robinson, the Maryland transfer, is now in his third season. His second year — 10 tackles for loss (5.5 sacks) and three quarterback hurries — was solid. Robinson is likely gone if he surpasses his 2022 numbers.

Tyler Warren

The Lions’ fourth-year tight end got overlooked some in 2022 with Strange and Johnson causing matchup problems for defenses. But the former high school quarterback should see more targets in 2023. The 6-6, 254-pound Warren caught two of this three touchdown passes in Penn State’s final three games last year.

Lions who must take a step forward in the fall

Hakeem Beamon: With PJ Mustipher gone, Penn State must receive improved play from a couple of defensive tackles. Beamon, a fifth-year player, and Coziah Izzard are at the top of the list. Beamon has more starting experience. He appeared in all 13 games last year, making 12 starts. He tallied six tackles for loss and two quarterback hurries in 2022. One concern — the 6-3 Beamon is listed at 256 pounds.

Keaton Ellis: One of the Lions’ most versatile and experienced defensive backs, Ellis enters his second year as a starting safety. The State College High School graduate spent his first two seasons at cornerback. He’s made 20 career starts and Ellis will be a team captain in 2023.

Daequan Hardy: Penn State’s veteran nickel corner is entering his fifth season. He tends to get overlooked and Hardy’s size (5-9, 179) is not at an asset. But the Lions’ defensive coaching staff clearly values him and Hardy has racked up 14 passes defensed and intercepted three passes during the last two years.

Hunter Nourzad: A standout at FCS Cornell before moving to the Lions’ program in 2022, Nourzad was a key contributor at left guard for Penn State after Landon Tengwall suffered a season-ending injury. Nourzad made eight starts a year ago and is poised to become PSU’s starting center. If Nourzad proves he can handle the switch, that kind of versatility carries plenty of weight at the next level.

Caedan Wallace: It will be a big 2023 for the fifth-year offensive tackle, who is currently battling second-year Lion Drew Shelton for the starting spot on the right side. Wallace should see plenty of action in the fall and he enters his final year with 27 career starts at tackle.

Sal Wormley: Penn State’s projected starting right guard started all 13 games in 2022. Wormley has ideal size (6-3, 313) and he must produce another year like last one. But a better one would be, well, better.

And don’t forget about …

Dante Cephas. A standout at Kent State, the 6-1, 185-pound wide receiver announced in January that he planned to transfer to Penn State. Cephas is expected to arrive in State College in time for August practices. Cephas, a Penn Hills grad, spent four years with Kent State. He blossomed into one of the most dangerous receivers in the MAC during the last two seasons, totaling 130 catches for 1,984 yards and 12 touchdowns. Cephas was a first-team All-MAC choice last season. A big year in the Lions’ offense would land him on the radar of every NFL team.