Penn State's notable draft-eligible players
A look at the top Nittany Lions players and where they might or might not go in this week's NFL draft.
Adrian Amos, safety: All-Big Ten honorable mention from 2012-14, starting all games in the past three seasons . . . Projected in the third or fourth round, according to NFL.com . . . Notably, he a private workout with Eagles coach Chip Kelly.
Deion Barnes, defensive end: Recorded 12 1/2 tackles for loss and six sacks last season . . . Scouts see him as a seventh-rounder or undrafted free agent. There are reservations about his ability to rush the passer and strength at the next level, but his athleticism is an upside.
Bill Belton, running back: Little chance he hears his name called in the draft, but could stick on a practice squad if he finds the right fit.
Miles Dieffenbach, offensive guard: 6-3, 303 pound guard did not play until the end of last season after he tore his ACL in a March practice. He had started 23 games in the two previous seasons combined before the injury . . . Could be a late-round pick if teams are willing to overlook risk of injury and rust from sitting out almost an entire year, but some could see the upside from his 2013 season.
Sam Ficken, placekicker: Unlikely to be drafted, but could be invited to a camp, according to NFL.com, because he did have a good year last year. Drawbacks include leg strength and a low ball trajectory.
Mike Hull, outside linebacker: Latest in a long line of great Penn State linebackers . . . 2014 Big Ten linebacker of the year is projected to go in the fifth or sixth round, according to NFL.com . . . A little undersized for an inside linebacker, but a lack of athleticism will keep him away from the outside.
Jesse James, tight end: Set the Penn State record for tight end touchdown catches, with 11, but is not known as a plus receiver . . . Frame is conducive to putting on more muscle, which will help him in run blocking . . . Projected for the fifth or sixth round, according to NFL.com.
C.J. Olaniyan, defensive end: A good defensive end for Penn State, but according to CBSSports.com, he will transition to outside linebacker if he wants his career to continue. He is very lengthy and has good speed, which could fit well in a 3-4 scheme . . . Lacks experience dropping into coverage . . . Could go in the late rounds.
Donovan Smith, offensive tackle: Nittany Lion most likely to hear his name called first, probably Friday . . . A third-round project, because of his sheer strength, according to NFL.com . . . Could be moved inside to hide his lack of athleticism, most likely to guard.
Zach Zwinak, fullback: Missed much of last season with injury, but still a top-10 fullback on many big boards . . . Led Penn State in rushing in both his sophomore and junior seasons, totaling 1,989 yards . . . Could go in the seventh round or as a free agent.
- Andrew Albert