Three Penn State players are on expert NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler’s initial top 50 big board for next year’s pro selection process. Writing for The Athletic, he whittled his recent positional rankings, which included 414 draft-eligible players, to the top group overall regardless of where they line up. The first Nittany Lion on the list is left tackle Drew Shelton. The multi-year Nittany Lion starter checks in at No. 26 overall. He is one of more than 10 tackles on the rundown.
“Last season, Shelton replaced former first-rounder Olu Fashanu at left tackle for the Nittany Lions and teased an intriguing skill set, even if the results were more unsettled than ideal,” Brugler writes. “Now with a full year as a starter under his belt, his 2025 tape should show off less thinking and more of Shelton unlocking his big-man twitch to win his assignments.”
The fact that Shelton is in the top 50, let alone the first Lion mentioned, will likely surprise some Penn State fans. But, you won’t be among them if you read Sean Fitz’s recent breakdown of starters we aren’t talking enough entering the 2025 season.
“It’s hard to believe he’s a senior. But, Shelton’s career path has set him up for a big final season in Happy Valley,” Fitz writes. “He was an All-Big Ten honorable mention by the coaches and media last fall. And, there are high hopes internally for not only Shelton, but the entire offensive line in 2025.
“The other guys have gotten the ink, as Shelton’s retention was frankly on the boring side. That’s just fine for the Nittany Lions. He had a full offseason (he’s battled injuries the last few years), so hopes are high internally that Shelton can still make another leap.”
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Senior quarterback Drew all is next on Brugler’s list. He checks in at No. 27 overall. The Penn State passer is one of seven in the top 50. He is the fifth quarterback on the board.
“The opportunity is there for Penn State to finally break through under James Franklin and not only win the Big Ten but also a national championship,” Brugler writes. “Can Allar handle that weight and take another jump in his development? The NFL will be watching closely.”
Last but certainly not least is cornerback Also Harris. He is No. 45 overall. Penn State has high expectations for the defender in 2025. It believes he has All-American potential entering his second season with the Lions.
“Harris is the type of prospect who continued to grow on me the more I studied him,” Brugler writes.
“There aren’t a ton of splash plays or ball production on his tape. But he also didn’t give up a ton of big plays. Isolating his traits, Harris is a good-sized athlete with the competitive profile to match up well against NFL size and strength on the outside.”
