Where will former Nittany Lions go in the 2023 NFL Draft? Here are the latest projections

Penn State football has multiple former players receiving projections to land in the first three rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. seemingly has a first round pick projection everywhere you look, while other Nittany Lions have projections with a broader range.

Let’s take a look at some of the current landing spots and potential fits for the former Nittany Lions.

CB Joey Porter Jr.

No. 5 to the Seattle Seahawks

This is the highest projection for Porter so far. He’s widely been projected as a potential top-10 pick that is more likely to go in the middle of the first round, but this would still be a great landing spot for him. Seattle has valued long, physical cornerbacks who aren’t afraid to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage in Pete Carroll’s tenure as head coach — think Richard Sherman, Brandon Browner and Byron Maxwell — and Porter fits that mold. There may not be a better fit in the league for him than Seattle and not to mention he’d get to go play with one of the stars of last year’s rookie class in cornerback Tariq Woolen. They could prove to be the next dominant starting cornerback duo in Seattle.

After a remarkable collegiate career at Penn State, CB Joey Porter Jr. is primed for big things in his future ???? @jjporter_1

????: 2023 #NFLDraft -- Starts Thursday, April 27 on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
????: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/kuJACcAs5p

— NFL (@NFL) April 12, 2023

No. 16 to the Washington Commanders

For the second week in a row, Washington is a possible destination for Porter with two mocks projecting him there this week. It still makes sense — with the team’s need for a true No. 1 cornerback and the depth at the position in the class — that Washington would identify him as one of their top targets. He’s long and a good athlete, but still plays a physical brand of defense, something Washington head coach Ron Rivera values. This no longer seems to be near the ceiling for Porter, with the projection to Seattle being much higher than previously anticipated.

WR Parker Washington

No. 86 to the Baltimore Ravens

Washington ended his year with the injury but could have an impact early on if this is his landing spot, assuming he’s healthy. The Ravens have been in dire need of wide receiver help for years and while the addition of Odell Beckham Jr. will surely help on that front, there’s more work to be done. Washington should be in play as a punt returner as soon as he’s healthy at the very least and would likely have a good chance to earn reps in the slot early on. The other side of this is Baltimore’s uncertain quarterback situation with Lamar Jackson remaining unsigned after the team franchise tagged him. If he left the Ravens, this is suddenly a much less desirable place to play for a receiver.

S Ji’Ayir Brown

No. 125 to the Los Angeles Chargers

Brown has been projected to go in either the second or third day of the draft and his expected impact would vary widely based on where he goes. Going this late would likely point toward him having a good chance to make the roster but less of a chance of starting. That being said, there aren’t many players more well-positioned to contribute right away. Brown was one of the smartest defenders on Penn State’s roster last year and should be able to adapt to the NFL game quickly. His athleticism is a question for some, but his football IQ should allow him to make up for any lack of burst because he’s usually a step or two ahead of everyone else on the field.

"That is picture perfect."

Ji'Ayir "Tig" Brown with a textbook interception for @PennStateFball pic.twitter.com/BdPWdUBc41

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) September 17, 2022

TE Brenton Strange

No. 54 to the Los Angeles Chargers

For the second week in a row an ESPN analyst has Strange going in the second round to the Chargers. Last week it was Todd McShay, this week it’s Mel Kiper Jr.

Brenton Strange. Get to know that name. The Penn State TE is one of the least talked about and most underrated players in the draft. Combine numbers were pedestrian but his tape is impressive. Despite a loaded TE class, you’ll hear his name called Night 2 of the NFL draft. pic.twitter.com/iCVsyAA1cQ

— Todd McShay (@McShay13) March 26, 2023

Strange would be set up for success fairly quickly with Los Angeles thanks to its offense and quarterback. The Chargers will presumably be airing it out more with new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore leading the way and they’ll be doing it with a franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert. Strange should have a good chance at the starting job thanks to the pick that he’d be taken at in this scenario and could provide help with his run blocking and his receiving ability. While this is higher than he’s usually mocked, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a bad pick. Strange is the type of tight end that should have a long NFL career.

The 2023 NFL Draft is April 27-29.