2022 NFL Draft: Penn State Sending Defensive Studs To The Senior Bowl
The Penn State defense will play a factor in the 2022 NFL Draft, and they’re sending a few studs to the Senior Bowl.
The Big Ten is often known to be a conference built on defense, and it’s still been the case this season. Penn State is one of those teams that’s built to win with a running game, a few explosive plays sprinkled in, and tough defense. The Nittany Lions will leave their mark on the 2022 NFL Draft this season, and a majority of that will be on the defensive side. Three of those players are already set to be down in Mobile for the Senior Bowl.
The headliner is arguable, but it feels like the most buzz around any of these defenders surrounds safety Jaquan Brisker. Brisker is moving up draft boards with another strong season, and his versatility can raise his stock even more. He plays extremely fast, whether it be covering ground on the roof of the defense, or working downhill in run support. Brisker hits really hard as a tackler, and has the ball production this season (two interceptions, four passes defensed). How he plays and his versatility will allow him to bring serious energy to the practices and take on skill position players in one-on-ones.
Arnold Ebiketie is another having a very good season for Penn State, and his transfer from Temple is paying off for the 2022 NFL Draft. He’s having a monstrous 2021 campaign, collecting 8.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss in 10 games thus far. He gave Nicholas Petit-Frere, a top prospect in his own right from Ohio State, plenty of trouble in their meeting earlier this month. Ebiketie is an athletic rusher who can get tackles to overset and win inside, has some pop in his hands, and is instinctive against the run.
Jessie Luketa is the third defender to watch at the Senior Bowl. He isn’t as well-known as the other two, but his skill set is interesting. He’s lined up in a variety of spots, from off the ball as a linebacker to multiple spots on the defensive line. Luketa plays with impressive twitch and explosion at the line of scrimmage, and can get in the backfield in an instant. He’s got the range to work to both sidelines and some power to shed blocks quickly. Finding his best position would be nice, but he can also move around in more versatile defenses. Plus, he has special teams experience.
These Penn State defenders will all have eyes on them all week at the Senior Bowl, and all should find themselves on a team in the 2022 NFL Draft. Don’t be surprised if all of them come away as winners from the week.