Penn State Football: Draft stock report for Nittany Lions

A number of Penn State football players could hear their names called in the 2019 NFL Draft. 

The regular season came to an end Saturdayfor Penn State football, with a convincing 38-3 win over Maryland. All signs are pointing to a possible Citrus Bowl matchup with either LSU or Kentucky. After bowl season comes pre-draft prep and the big day is set in April. Which Penn State football players will hear their name on draft day? Let’s take a look.

Amani Oruwariye: CB, 6-1, 203 pounds, Senior

The most NFL ready player of Penn State’s roster is Oruwariye. He has a chance to be a mid-to-late first round pick, given his size and playmaking capabilities. He’s a physical, big corner. In a one-on-one, deep ball situation, Oruwariye will need to improve on his speed. He could have difficulty matching up with quicker receivers.

This season he’s shown some improvement as a tackler. Last year he had 28 total tackles; this year he has 48. He needs to work on form, hit power and keeping his head up, but he’s getting there. Oruwariye has three interceptions, 11 pass deflections and a forced fumble on the season. He has a knack for forcing turnovers.

The strong corner is great at jamming receivers and throwing off routes within the contact area. He is a above average in man coverage corner and excellent in zone coverage corner. His football IQ and field awareness are high selling points.

Oruwariye will put his skills on display at the Senior Bowl with fellow Penn State football star Trace McSorley.

Connor McGovern: OL, 6-5, 323 pounds, Junior

If McGovern decides to leave for the NFL, he’ll find himself getting drafted anywhere between rounds 2-4. NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper rated McGovern as the top guard prospect in the 2019 Draft (if he were to declare).

McGovern is an experienced, three-year starter who has a high ceiling and great maturity. He’s versatile and has helped in the past by playing center for the Nittany Lions. His strength is improving and he’s agile for his size. He’d be a nice fit for a team looking for a versatile, coachable, raw talented interior lineman.

Juwan Johnson: WR, 6-4, 225 pounds, RS Junior

Johnson’s best selling point is his size. Going in to the season, many had high expectations for the New Jersey native, but he hasn’t been able to match his 2017 success this year (he has missed some time with an injury this year).

With his size, you’d think he’d be more of a redzone threat, but he only has two touchdown catches during his time as a Nittany Lion. With the absence of Saquon Barkley and Mike Gesicki, many thought this would be the year Johnson would shine.

His drops are a bit concerning for NFL scouts. This season really isn’t an appropriate indication of his true talent.

It may be best for Johnson to stick around one more year and develop as a prospect. He’ll be drafted anywhere between rounds 3-5 just based on athleticism and size, but he has much more to offer. He could be a great asset to the Penn State offense next season, and earn “star status” if he hangs around

Coaches will love his big body, which helps him haul in and protect the ball in traffic. He needs to move his feet quicker and improve on overall speed.

Shareef Miller: DE, 6-5, 260 pounds, RS Junior 

Miller is another player that could benefit from sticking around for another year. He’s showed his ability at times, but there’s still room for improvement.

His first step and size are worth noting. He has nice body control and athletic ability. In essence, he’s a raw talent that would probably get looks in the sixth or seventh round this year. He needs to improve on his strength. His pass rush toolkit isn’t the best. He’s very one-dimensional, and banks on his speed too much. He’ll see more recognition if he returns next season, add some size to his frame and develops a better variety of pass rushing techniques.

Miles Sanders: RB, 5-11, 215 pounds, Junior 

Sanders has come out and said that he hasn’t given the NFL Draft much thought. This season, Sanders has rushed for 1,223 yards and nine touchdowns. He spent time backing up Saquon Barkley, but his limited game film in his first two seasons hasn’t turned away NFL Scouts.

His play this year, plus his flashes of excellence in the past, have created quite a buzz around the Pittsburgh native. If he can run his 40-yard-dash somewhere in the 4.4 range, he’s a sure fire second or third round pick. As of now, he’s a great option in the third, fourth or fifth round. It’s best for Sanders to stick around and possibly improve on this strong season for another year.

Trace McSorley: QB, 6-0, 201 pounds, RS Senior 

In all honesty, McSorley is worthy of being picked between the fifth and seventh round, but his size and arm accuracy will bring up red flags for scouts. Regardless of where he goes, he’ll go down as the best quarterback in Penn State football history.

McSorley saw a drop in statistical performance this season, thanks in-part to the departures of some his top targets. But, that shouldn’t turn away scouts from looking at him. In open space, McSorley can make all the throws. In tight coverage, he can be a liability.

His ball placement is ideal for a receiver to catch in stride and rack up extra yardage. He’s a leader who is confident in his ability and is well-respected by teammates and coaches. His arm strength is definitely above average and he can throw a nice, quick ball.

His presence in the pocket and ability to feel rushers is what makes him stand out. What he lacks in size and accuracy, he makes up for with the ability to make big plays with his feet.

Someone needs to be willing to take a shot on McSorley. He’s an experiment and he’s shown that when people invest in him, the returns are positive. Let’s not forget, not many schools wanted him at QB, but PSU took him onboard and it paid off. I could see him being an undrafted free agent and maybe linking up with Saquon again in New York (I do think the Giants will draft a QB in the first round, but it never hurts to bring competition into camp).

Let’s hope the right guys return next year and the ones who go to the league find success. Penn State football has a bright future with a strong recruiting class set to come in.