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What! NFL draft 2015! Go BIg Ten Here's what Penn State has on the table.

 Best hitter: Mike Hull, Penn State 2014 stats: 138 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 INT Projected draft round: 4-5 See more at: http://btn.com/2015/04/16/nfl-draft-preview-best-of-2015-big-ten-draft-class/#sthash.ncDd6kYY.dpuf

 

Mike Hull:

Some have knocked Hull's size, but none have said a bad word about his work ethic and football IQ. Most see Hull as a fourth rounder or later which is a solid late round choice for a player who isn't going to be a liability on or off the field. Some day down the road Hull might be seen as a steal and that's quite alright with him.

Draft

       Day

            2015             

The 2015 NFL Draft begins this Thursday and several Nittany Lions are expected to have their names called at some point during the seven rounds. One of the biggest and most productive weapons for the Penn State offense over the past three seasons, tight end Jesse James, hopes to build on that production at the next level.

(Photo: Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports)

Prior to Penn State: James earned two second-team all-state honors at South Allegheny High School in McKeesport, Pa., hauling in more than 70 receptions during his final two seasons. The three-star prospect and the No. 18 prospect in Pennsylvania in the Class of 2012 wasn't a highly sought-after recruit but former Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Bradley liked what he saw.

PSU Rundown: James enrolled at Penn State in January of 2012, as Bill O'Brien and his staff were taking over, and immediately flourished in the coach's tight end-friendly system. He averaged 18.4 yards per catch on 15 receptions and caught five touchdown passes that season, then followed that up with 25-333-3 in 2013 and 38-396-3 this past season. James played as both an in-line and flexed tight end during his Penn State career.

Strengths: James is among the most physically gifted players Penn State has ever had at the position (and maybe at all positions). At 6-foot-7, he was able to carry a lot of weight (270 pounds during the 2014 season) without sacrificing speed or leaping ability. His hands and body control are similar to those of a wide receiver, as his ability to pick up yards after the catch. He grasps schemes and concepts well and has the versatility to handle a variety of assignments.

Weaknesses: James' physicality doesn't quite match his size and strength and he had more than a few blocking issues throughout his career. He didn't have a ton of drops throughout his career but didn't make many catches on balls thrown outside of his numbers, either. Like many Penn State receivers did last season, James often struggled to get separation from his defenders during pass routes.

Memorable Moment: James' 41-yard catch-and-run for a score in the 2012 game against Wisconsin helped the Nittany Lions complete a remarkable 8-4 season. He also made a huge third-down pickup to extend the game-winning drive in overtime of the Pinstripe Bowl in December.

Off-season Recap: James had an excellent showing in Indianapolis, posting numbers of 10-1 in the broad jump, 37 1/2 inches in the vertical jump, 26 bench-press reps and some good drill work. At Penn State's Pro Day, he shaved some time off his 40-yard dash, turning in times of 4.66 and 4.71.

NFL Analysts Say: CBSSports.com has James as the fifth-best tight end in the draft and the 117th overall prospect, with a projection of the third or fourth round. NFL.com's latest mock draft has James going to the Jimmy Graham-less New Orleans Saints midway through the third round (75th overall selection).

The Steelers chose Penn State tight end Jesse James, who played at South Allegheny High School in Glassport, with their fifth-round draft pick today

James stands 6-7 and weighs 261. He is the first Nittany Lions player drafted by the Steelers in six years. He started every game the past two seasons and leaves Penn State with a year of eligibility left.

With the second pick in the second round, the Bucs picked up offensive lineman Donovan Smith from Penn State. Congrats Donovan you are now a Buccaneer

Donovan Smith:

Likely the first Nittany Lion to be drafted, Smith is slated to go anywhere from the second to third round. Despite being advised to return for his final season of eligibility, Smith's athletic ability has helped drastically increase his stock leading up to the draft

Adrian Amos lined up at cornerback and at safety for the Nittany Lions and will now man the secondary for the Chicago Bears.Amos was selected in the fifth round (142 overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft and was the second Nittany Lion taken thus far.

Adrian Amos:

Amos is a prospect who has seen draft projections that are all over the board. Some analysts have had Amos go as early as the second or third round. Others dropped him down to the sixth round. What does seem to be certain is that Amos will be drafted and end up somewhere before the weekend is over. That in many ways is all Amos really wants.

Deion Barnes:

Slated as a seventh round choice or free agent. Physical off the edge and with his best collegiate season last year, Barnes has had success to back up his decision to go pro. The question is -- does he have what teams need in a pass rusher that they can't get somewhere else. At the very least Barnes will make a training camp somewhere as a free agent and will have the chance to prove himself there.

The Rest: Probable Free Agent Signings 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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