Penn State Football: Nittany Lions again loaded with 2020 NFL Draft talent

2020 NFL Draft will feature plenty of Penn State talent 

Penn State sending productive players to the NFL has become a recent trend, with guys like Allen Robinson, Chris Godwin and Adrian Amos, all enjoying solid NFL careers. Last year, superstar running back Saquon Barkley was the Offensive Rookie of the Year. Looking at the current Penn State roster, there are several players that will be wanted by NFL teams.

Cornerback John Reid is a veteran member of Penn State’s secondary and returns in 2019 for his fifth season in Happy Valley. Reid received a medical red shirt after missing all of the 2017 season with an injury.  Reid is a solid cornerback and can also contribute on special teams. The 2019 NFL Draft saw a ton of defensive backs go, and, if that trend continues, expected to see Reid selected in 2020.

Defensive tackle Robert Windsor has good size and athleticism for an interior lineman and showed glimpses of his talent last year. He should be a starter this year and could make a name for himself among NFL teams. Defensive linemen are always valued, and Windsor will look to take advantage of that.

Another senior who will have a chance to hear his name called during the 2020 NFL Draft is offensive lineman Steven Gonzalez. He could have potentially left after his junior year, but another year will give him more time to develop and hone his skill.

Linebacker Cam Brown will need to have a big 2019 season, but he could sneak his name into the mix during one of the later rounds, or as an undrafted free agent. The same can be said for señor safety Garrett Taylor, who broke out in 2018 will look to repeat that success this year.

Along with the seniors, a handful of third-year players could make a major impact in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Junior defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos was a first team All-Big Ten selection last year and blossomed into one of the best linemen in the conference. He is an elite talent with great size and athleticism. He’ll still have another year of eligibility after this season, but if he continues his production from last year, he’s sure to be projected as an early-round pick and could choose to leave school a year early.

Wide receiver KJ Hamler has played just one season for the Nittany Lions, but since he was redshirted for the 2017 season, he’ll be eligible to leave for the NFL after this season. Hamler made the most of his first season and quickly turned into one of Penn State’s best weapons on offense.

He’s definitely on the small side for an NFL player, but his speed and playmaking ability will make him an interesting target. His ability to return kicks will make NFL teams look long and hard at him, and he is likely to hear his name floated around in regard to the 2020 NFL Draft.

Defensive backs Tariq Castro-Fields and Lamont Wade, as well as offensive lineman Will Fries could also garner some NFL interest after this season and choose to make themselves eligible for the 2020 NFL Draft.

With even more talented players entering the mix the following season, it’s safe to say that there will be plenty of Penn State talent impacting the next few NFL drafts.