Penn State TE Theo Johnson (84) - Mikey DeAngelis/Onward State
Next up in the draft process is the Penn State Pro Day. This is when players can get one more chance to show off their skills to NFL scouts. They can also potentially improve their draft stock if they impress. The Penn State Pro Day will take place on March 15th.
Penn State Pro Day Information
Numerous Penn State players could participate in the Pro Day this year. As of now, there are 11 expected participants. Many did receive an invite to the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, but some either could not participate due to injuries or did not get the invite. Here is a look at the expected participants for the Penn State Pro Day, and their draft projection.
Theo Johnson – TE
Tight end, Theo Johnson is heading to the NFL after four years with Penn State. According to Sports Reference, Johnson had 77 receptions for 938 yards and 12 touchdowns in four years. There was a slow start to using tight ends in the receiving game in 2023, but Johnson is a clutch red-zone target.
Johnson did receive an invite to the Scouting Combine but will get another chance to impress at the Penn State Pro Day. His current draft projection is in the fifth round. He is a player that can turn into a late-round steal. Give him time to develop with a team, and he could become a strong player, but there are other tight ends in this class with a higher ranking. Watch for his name to be called on day three of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Caedan Wallace – OT
After five years with Penn State, right tackle, Caedan Wallace is heading to the NFL. He did receive an invite to the Combine, and ran a 5.15 seconds 40-yard dash, according to the NFL. Wallace is currently a sixth-round projection. The offensive line in this draft class is stacked, but he is expected to be a draft selection on day three. Wallace is strong at his pass protection and is an athletic player. There is room for growth, but he is a player that can be developed if he is drafted into the right setting.
Olu Fashanu – OT
After four seasons with Penn State, offensive tackle, Olu Fashanu is heading into the NFL. Fashanu was invited to the NFL Combine, but after his first 40-yard dash attempt, he hurt his leg. He did tell the media that he expects to be fine, but now he has to make up for it at the Penn State Pro Day. He is still a first-round projection, but it will be important for him to show that the Combine Injury was just a fluke. Be sure to still watch for him on the first night of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Hunter Nourzad – C
Hunter Nourzad is another offensive lineman heading to the NFL this year. Nourzad has played college football for six years, four with Cornell and two with the Nittany Lions. The center did receive an invite to the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. Nourzad is a sixth-round projection in this year’s draft. While he is known to be a center, Nourzad can move around on the line, which is a valuable asset as a player.
Chop Robinson – DE
Defensive end, Chop Robinson, is heading to the NFL after three years of college football. Entering the combine as a first-round projection, Robinson still turned heads. Robinson had a great NFL Combine that solidified his role as a first-round projection. More about his Combine can be read here.
Robinson began his collegiate career with Maryland for one season, followed by the past two years with Penn State. In three years, Robinson has had 60 total tackles, 43 solo, 20 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks, according to Sports Reference. He has also defended three passes, forced three fumbles, and recovered two fumbles. Robinson is a strong player, and it will be interesting to see where he lands on night one of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Adisa Isaac – DE
Defensive end, Adisa Isaac is also heading to the NFL after five seasons with the Nittany Lions. The lineman was invited to the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. According to the NFL, his 40-yard time is at 4.74 seconds, his first ten yards being at 1.68. He is currently a second-round projection.
In his five seasons with Penn State, Isaac has had 92 total tackles, 47 solo, 31.5 tackles for loss, and 14.5 sacks, according to Sports Reference. He has also forced two fumbles and recovered one. Isaac is a strong pass rusher and will be valuable to a future NFL team. Watch for his name on night two of the NFL Draft.
Curtis Jacobs – LB
After four years, linebacker Curtis Jacobs is heading to the NFL. All four years of Jacobs’ career were with the Nittany Lions. In those four years, he had 171 total tackles, 105 solo, 24 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks, according to Sports Reference. He also had two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, one forced fumble, and four fumble recoveries.
The Nittany Lions breed linebackers, and while he may not be a first-round pick, he is still a strong player. At the NFL Combine, he ran a 4.58 40-yard dash, according to the NFL. Jacobs will most likely not go until day three, but he is a young player who can develop over time. He is a strong player but has some elements he needs to fix, such as his decision-making on when to follow through on a tackle or take a step back into coverage. Jacobs has a high ceiling as a player.
Daequan Hardy – CB
Cornerback Daequan Hardy has been with Penn State for five years. He is now heading to the NFL. Hardy is a corner, but also a strong punt returner. In five years, Hardy has had 60 total tackles, 40 solo, 7.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks, according to Sports Reference. He also has had five interceptions, returning one for a touchdown and one forced fumble. He has returned 17 punts, two being returned for a touchdown. Both of the touchdowns came from the 2023 season.
Hardy had a solid Combine, running a 4.38-second 40-yard dash, according to the NFL. He will most likely be drafted with the idea of being a return specialist, but also solid corner depth. His current draft projection is in the sixth round.
Johnny Dixon – CB
Cornerback Johnny Dixon is entering the NFL Draft after five years of college football. He spent two years at South Carolina and three with Penn State. Dixon was set to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine but was dealing with an injury. The hope is that he can participate in the Penn State Pro Day. In five years, Dixon has had 59 total tackles, 45 solo, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks, according to Sports Reference. He has also defended 15 passes, had three interceptions, and forced two fumbles. Dixon did not get to participate in the Combine, but his draft projection is still in the sixth round.
Kalen King – CB
After three years of playing with Penn State, cornerback Kalen King is heading to the Draft. In his three years, King has had 80 total tackles, 58 solo, and 5.5 tackles for loss, according to Sports Reference. He also defended 25 passes and had three interceptions, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
King did participate in the Combine, running a 40-yard dash with a time of 4.61 seconds, according to the NFL. He can improve that at the Penn State Pro Day. King is a leader on the field and has done well with the Penn State defense. King can go as early as day two of the NFL Draft, according to The Draft Network. Be sure to watch for his name on night two.
Keaton Ellis – S
Safety Keaton Ellis is heading to the NFL after five seasons with Penn State. In five years, Ellis has had 85 total tackles, 59 solo, and three tackles for loss, according to Sports Reference. He also defended 12 passes, caught one interception, forced four fumbles, and recovered one. Ellis did not receive an invite to the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, but has not stopped training. He will need to utilize the Penn State Pro Day to impress scouts one more time. Ellis will be a name to watch on day three of the draft.
The Penn State Pro Day will take place on March 15th. The players will also have time to schedule pre-draft visits with various NFL teams. After that, it’s the 2024 NFL Draft. The draft will take place April 25th-27th.
