STATE COLLEGE — The 2022 NFL Draft is still more than two months away, but with the conclusion of the postseason collegiate all-star games last week, the pre-draft process is in full swing.

Penn State has a number of players who should hear their names called at some point during the draft, which is scheduled for April 28-30 in Las Vegas, including a few who could be in position to be first-round picks.

With mock draft season in full swing, here’s a look at where some prominent analysts have some former Nittany Lions landing with our thoughts on how the fits might work out.

WR Jahan Dotson

Seth Galina, Pro Football Focus: No. 21 to New England Patriots

Galina’s take: “The Patriots are bereft of receiver talent, so they select the quick and shifty Dotson. Patriots receivers, outside of Jakobi Meyers, had a tough time separating against man coverage, and the Penn State product should help in that area. Dotson will give New England a deep threat who would pair nicely with some of the underneath and intermediate route runners already on the roster.”

Our take: Dotson would give Patriots quarterback Mac Jones a go-to weapon on a roster that seemed to lack true game-breakers at times. Plus, Jones showed what he could do as a quarterback with top-tier wide receiver talent during his time at Alabama.

Bucky Brooks, NFL Media: No. 26 to Tennessee Titans

Brooks’ take: “Upgrading the WR corps is a priority, seeing how the passing game struggled at times this season. Dotson is a big-play specialist with sticky hands and outstanding route-running skills.”

Our take: The Titans offense dealt with plenty of injuries at many key positions. Dotson would be a solid addition to a position group that featured A.J. Brown and Julio Jones in 2021.

Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Media: No. 27 to Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jeremiah’s take: “Dotson has outstanding hands and route-running skills. The Bucs could lose Chris Godwin in free agency, and Dotson could slide right in to replace his fellow Penn State wideout. He doesn’t have the same size/strength as Godwin, but offers more over-the-top speed.”

Our take: The Bucs could be in for a transitional offseason if Godwin decides to sign elsewhere in free agency, not to mention the retirement of Tom Brady. But Dotson would be a solid addition here to provide Brady’s successor with options at wide receiver.

Jordan Reid, ESPN: No. 32 to Detroit Lions

Reid’s take: “The Lions got a fourth-round steal in Amon-Ra St. Brown last year, and he proved to be a key player for the team moving forward. Outside of St. Brown and tight end T.J. Hockenson, however, the franchise lacks reliable pass-catchers. Dotson is a ‘Z’ receiver who can handle outside duties while St. Brown does his best work from the slot. Dotson, who had 91 catches for 1,182 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, is a consistent route-runner with a wide catch radius. He’d be a great fit for Detroit and quarterback Jared Goff.”

Joe Marino, The Draft Network: No. 32 to Detroit Lions

Marino’s take: “Amon-Ra St. Brown emerged for the Detroit Lions at wide receiver during his rookie season but the team still needs more weapons in the passing game. Jahan Dotson isn’t the biggest receiver but he is an explosive playmaker. He is an outstanding separator with strong hands and excellent ball skills. He’s the perfect complementary player to St. Brown to round out the receiving options for Jared Goff.”

Our take: Dotson showed in 2021 that he could still be productive even if he was a clear No. 1 option that defenses needed to key in on. But if he can combine with another solid receiver, such as St. Brown, then that could be a big development for him at the next level.

S Jaquan Brisker

Lance Zierlein, NFL Media: No. 19 to Philadelphia Eagles

Zierlein’s take: Brisker’s play has steadily progressed over the last two seasons. He’s instinctive, can run and is a terrific tackler on the back end.

Our take: The Eagles need help at safety, and Brisker has shown that he can be a playmaker. Plus, he wouldn’t be fazed by stepping into a lineage that features Brian Dawkins and Malcolm Jenkins as his predecessors.

Jordan Reid, ESPN: No. 42 to Washington Commanders

Reid’s take: Brisker, who has been praised for his leadership and communication skills in the back end, is a versatile safety who can play both strong safety and in the high post, though he’s better closer to the line of scrimmage. At 6-foot-1, 200 pounds, he is a competitive run defender with experience playing multiple spots.

Our take: Brisker’s draft stock in projections over the past few months has been all over the place. It wouldn’t be a surprise for him to go in the first round, like Zierlein projected, and it wouldn’t be a surprise for him to be selected later like here. Maybe somewhere in the middle. In Washington, Brisker could be a good complement as Landon Collins searches for a home within the defense.

DE Arnold Ebiketie

Seth Galina, Pro Football Focus: No. 22 to Las Vegas Raiders

Galina’s take: Ebiketie will be the steal of the draft. The Temple transfer wanted to impress on the biggest stage, so he transferred to Penn State and put on a pass-rushing clinic. He’s been one of the top best rushers in the country for three seasons, starting with a 77.8 PFF grade in 2019 before moving to an 85.0 mark in 2020 and finishing at 88.4 with the Nittany Lions. He brings a bevy of pass rush moves and will look great next to Maxx Crosby.

Our take: Yannick Ngakoue is under contract for another season in Las Vegas, and Ebiketie would boost the edge group with Crosby. Pass rusher is a premium position, and Ebiketie should be a welcome addition to any defense.

Jordan Reid, ESPN: No. 55 to Arizona Cardinals

Reid’s take: With Chandler Jones possibly moving on in free agency, Arizona could target a young pass-rusher opposite Markus Golden. Ebiketie is raw, but Cardinals general manager Steve Keim has shown he’s not afraid to select projects early and hope that coaching allows them to reach the ceiling of their potential. A fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker, Ebiketie’s explosiveness and natural traits as a pass-rusher could help him be a contributor in spots early in his rookie season. The Temple transfer had 9.5 sacks last season.

Our take: Ebiketie took advantage of his showcase year at Penn State, and if a team is looking to add punch to its pass rush, Ebiketie can provide that.

Other players to watch

Linebacker Brandon Smith didn’t appear in any of the mocks surveyed, including the two-round projections, but by the time the pre-draft process is over, Smith should be firmly in the conversation as a Day 2 pick in Rounds 2 and 3.

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