Former Penn State defensive tackle Derrick Tangelo makes undrafted free agency decision

Another undrafted rookie free agent from the 2022 NFL Draft has found a new home. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, former Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle Derrick Tangelo is signing with the Atlanta Falcons, per his source. Pelissero also revealed some of the details of his new NFL contract.

“Former Penn State DT Derrick Tangelo is signing with the #Falcons on a deal that includes $55,000 guaranteed, per his agents @NessMugrabi and @davidcanter,” wrote Pelissero via Twitter. 

Tangelo spent one season at Penn State after spending his last four with the Duke Blue Devils. Tangelo’s lone season with the Nittany Lions was a solid showing as he recorded 29 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and two fumble recoveries. Before transferring to Penn State following the 2020 season, he tallied 114 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks in 45 career games as a Blue Devil.

Tangelo joins fellow former Penn State defensive stalwart Arnold Ebiketie in Atlanta. The Falcons selected Ebiketie in the second round of the draft with the No.38 pick.

Arizona Cardinals select Penn State EDGE Jesse Luketa in 2022 NFL Draft

After making a position change as a senior, Penn State Nittany Lions star Jesse Luketa saw his dreams become reality at the 2022 NFL Draft. The Arizona Cardinals drafted the linebacker turned defensive end with the No. 256 overall pick in the seventh round.

The Arizona Cardinals are getting a four-year contributor and team leader in the 6-foot-3, 247-pound edge rusher.

Luketa had 61 tackles, including 8.5 tackles for loss, and an interception for Penn State in 2021. He earned third-team Big Ten All-Defense honors from the media. He also earned a second-team Big Ten All-Defense nomination from the coaches this season.

During his four seasons, Luketa ramped up his playing time steadily. He eventually found the field as a starter and captain in 2020. As a junior, he posted 59 tackles, 2.5 for loss and three pass breakups.

Although he finished high school in the United States, Jesse Luketa hails from Ottowa, Ontario. At Mercyhurst Prep in Erie, Penn., he turned into a four-star prospect with offers from coast to coast. He was the No. 244 player in the nation in the 2018 class, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.