NFL Draft: Penn State Football’s Jayson Oweh has most to gain at pro day

Penn State Football could have as many as three players chosen in the first-round of the 2021 NFL Draft, but the program’s pro day workout could make or break pass-rusher Jayson Oweh’s draft stock.

Oweh, 6-foot-5 and 252 pounds, has seen his draft stock skyrocket in recent weeks, as teams are tantalized by his athleticism and upside as an edge-rusher at the next level. However, Oweh’s lack of eye-popping statistical output could leave some scouts and talent evaluators scratching their heads over what all the hype is about.

There is a legitimate argument to be made that Oweh is among the players impacted the most by the NFL being forced to cancel the 2021 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, particularly after a season in which he produced just 20 solo tackles and didn’t record a sack.

NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein believes Oweh is among the players in this year’s draft class with the most riding on his pro day performance:

"The pre-draft process is made for players like Oweh to turn heads and create buzz. He’s long-limbed with a well-defined athletic frame that draws the oohs and ahhs in movement drills. After a season in which he failed to register a single sack over seven games, Oweh could use a pro day where he shows off his physical gifts and brings himself back into the forefront for teams that covet explosive traits."

Oweh’s skill-set could make him a viable candidate in the NFL to put his hand in the dirt as a defensive end, or stand up as a situational pass-rushing outside linebacker. But, without the interview gauntlet and 40-yard dash in front of complete front offices from every team, it remains to be seen if the former Nittany Lions standout will go as high in the draft as his measurables might suggest.