Raiders Draft Nate Stupar, Other Nittany Lions Picked up Post-Draft

Home » Penn State » Raiders Draft Nate Stupar, Other Nittany Lions Picked up Post-Draft

For some reason, the word that comes to mind when I think of Nate Stupar is journeyman, which is completely incorrect. Nate is a central PA resident who played his entire career at Penn State. It just seems as though he never really etched out his “spot” with the Nittany Lions. This isn’t to say he’s not a good player, because the exact opposite is true. Nate was in the unfortunate situation of sitting behind other future NFL players for most of his career but when called upon, Nate never failed to perform.

Penn State has been churning out linebackers (particularly outside LBs) at a strong clip as of late, including 10 linebackers drafted since 2005, including Nate, who was number 10. Nate sat behind a few of them, plus Bani Gbadyu, who the Raiders signed as a free agent following last year’s draft. Along with those players, Stupar shared a roster with OLBs Gerald Hodges and Mike Mauti, who will both undoubtedly be drafted a year from now.

Nate capitalized on an unfortunate injury to Mauti last year, allowing him to get noticed by scouts and ultimately drafted by the Raiders with the 230th pick in the NFL Draft.

I think, without a doubt, that Nate Stupar has NFL talent and I’m glad that the Raiders gave him a chance to prove just that. Nobody outworks Nate and I expect him to contribute on special teams early, landing him a spot on the gameday roster.

Other Penn State Players Who Were Drafted in 2012 NFL Draft:

DT Devon Still, 2nd Round, Cincinnati Bengals

Johnnie Troutman, 5th Round, San Diego Chargers

Jack Crawford, 5th Round, Oakland Raiders

Penn State Players Who Signed On NFL Rosters as Free Agents:

DB D’Antonn Lynn New York Jets

WR Derek Moye Miami Dolphins

DB Chaz Powell Oakland Raiders

TE Andrew Szcrerba Dallas Cowboys

OL Quinn Barham Detroit Lions

DE Eric Lattimore Minnesota Vikings

OL DeOn’Tae Pannell New Orleans Saints