Following a 2026 NFL Draft where eight former Penn State players were drafted, projections and predictions are already beginning for the highly anticipated 2027 draft class.
While many Nittany Lions will be playing in the blue and white for the first time, there’s still enough talent on the team to begin projecting draft stock — with plenty of room for both growth and decline.
Here’s a look at where some Penn Staters could get selected during next year’s draft in Washington D.C.
Marcus Neal Jr., safety, Round 2
As of right now, the first player likely to hear his name called is safety Marcus Neal Jr., as the junior was one of the leading tacklers for Iowa State last season with 77. He also had a sack and two interceptions.
Neal is a player who’ll be all over the field in 2026 for the Nittany Lions and can make plays at any level. With safeties becoming such versatile assets, there has been a newfound importance of drafting safeties in early rounds, with multiple safeties going in the first round the past couple of years.
Penn State has had a lot of recent success with safeties getting drafted into the pros, including Zakee Wheatley, Jaylen Reed, Kevin Winston Jr. and Ji’Ayir Brown. Neal could join those names next year as an early selection, and barring a breakout from one of his teammates, he very well could be the first Nittany Lion off the board.
Safety Marcus Neal Jr. speaks during the Penn State football players media in Beaver Stadium on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 in University Park, Pa.
Matt Cropp
Tony Rojas, linebacker, Round 3
Tony Rojas’ first few games back will give more indication as to where he could be drafted, considering he’s coming off a torn ACL. But the intangibles Rojas brings will surely allow him to rise up the board.
Rojas’ on-field talent and athleticism allows him to fully play the linebacker position both as a run stopper and in pass coverage. No matter where Rojas’ draft stock is in January, it’s likely to continue rising during the pre-draft process.
Linebacker Tony Rojas (13) makes a tackle during the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl between Penn State and Boise State on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. The Nittany Lions beat the Broncos 31-14.
Kate Hildebrand
The redshirt junior can absolutely fly around the field and could be in major contention to set records for a 40-yard dash time as a linebacker. It wouldn’t be surprising if Rojas hits low 4.40s or even into the 4.30s at the NFL Scouting Combine or Penn State’s Pro Day.
Audavion Collins, cornerback, Day 2-3
Another player whose stock will naturally rise because of his speed is Audavion Collins. But it’s not just his speed that’ll push him up draft boards.
Collins is the likely top cornerback this upcoming season despite plenty of other talent at the position. The 2026 defensive back room could very well be one of the most talented units as a whole and as the leader Collins, could be in for a big year and a rise is in his draft stock.
While Collins’ coverage skills are strong and he’s incredibly fast, his size could be why he falls down the board. Collins is listed at 5-foot-11, 180 pounds, which isn’t a typical NFL body. However, multiple cornerbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft had similar builds and went early in the draft.
Rocco Becht, quarterback, Day 3
Rocco Becht’s stock is very uncertain, given his injuries from last year and a fresh start at Penn State.
Quarterback Rocco Becht (3) prepares to throw the ball during the 2026 Blue-White practice at West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026 in University Park, Pa.
Katie McKenney
Becht will enter his final year with some of the highest quarterback experience in the country. His on-field presence and leadership will certainly help his stock, and his strong accuracy could increase his chances of hearing his name called.
The comparisons to Sean Clifford, who drafted in the fifth round in 2023, have already begun for Becht. His numbers are eerily similar to the former Penn State quarterback, which puts his Day 3 projection in a good spot if those similarities remain.
Chase Sowell, wide receiver, Day 3
Likely the top receiver this upcoming season, Chase Sowell could be in for a big year under the same system he had last year.
Sowell was the No. 1 receiver at Iowa State last year, even with fellow transfer Brett Eskildsen outgaining him by 26 yards. With the talent that’s alongside Sowell, it’ll allow him to get one-on-one opportunities where he can showcase his own talents.
The redshirt senior received comparisons from his wide receiver coach Kashif Moore to that of 2026 NFL draftee Skyler Bell, who Moore coached and developed at UConn. If Moore can unleash that type of development in Sowell, the Nittany Lion could hear his name called even earlier.
Wide receiver Chase Sowell (0) looks across the field during Penn State football’s practice in Holuba Hall on Thursday, March 26, 2026 in University Park, Pa.
Noah Aberegg
Other names to watch
Penn State could have around eight players drafted again next year. Other names to watch include running back Carson Hansen, tight end Benjamin Brahmer, offensive lineman Anthony Donkoh and cornerback Zion Tracy.
Hansen will likely be in at least a duo, if not a trio, that’ll rotate playing time which could limit his production and lower his stock. Brahmer’s big frame and overall ability will likely get him drafted, while Donkoh’s consistency and versatility could boost his draft position.
Despite getting a lot of hype from Matt Campbell, Tracy’s stock will be hard to rise compared to other cornerbacks because of his nickel position. The nickel corner spot, albeit very impactful and important, isn’t a spot that teams often use higher draft picks on.
MORE FOOTBALL COVERAGE
Penn State was dominant throughout the 1986 season, allowing it to play for the national tit…
Â
If you’re interested in submitting a Letter to the Editor, click here.