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Penn State defensive line featured as one of college football's best

nate-mug-10.12.14by: Nate Bauer06/11/24NateBauerBWI

Penn State sent two defensive ends to the NFL in April. And, the Nittany Lions did so before the third round ended. Along with the departure of coordinator Manny Diaz this offseason, that has created a new vibe for the position group ahead of the 2024 season.

In this offseason’s look-ahead, though, those exits are expected to be of limited impact.

The latest offering from PFF College demonstrates as much in its evaluation of the Nittany Lions on the defensive line this season. Ranking the top 10 units this month, the media outlet puts Penn State as the No. 7 group on the board.

From the story:

“Two Penn State edge defenders, Chop Robinson and Adisa Isaac, were selected within the first two days of the 2024 NFL Draft. The Nittany Lions have a very good chance of repeating that feat in 2025.“

Within it, PFF details the players and faces most likely to impact that projection of success.

Highlighting Abdul Carter‘s transition from linebacker to defensive end, PFF notes that his 24.1 percent pass-rush win rate was tops among all FBS linebackers with 100 pass-rush reps. Then turning to Dani Dennis-Sutton‘s mark with a 17.7 percent pass-rush win rate, the Nittany Lions’ defensive ends are poised to remain strong. And, combined with the return of all four of its defensive tackles from last season, those projections continue to be heightened.

Penn State defensive line will ‘eat’

PFF makes no mention of two prominent ends expected to help bolster the effort this season. With Jameial Lyons projecting to make a significant impact this season in his second season, plus Amin Vanover poised to contribute, the sentiment within the room this spring has been optimistic in its outlook.

“At the end of the day, (Abdul Carter is) my brother. We’re all gonna eat,” said Vanover. “The D-line is a heavy rotation. And it’s not like we will only be playing one or two guys. Everybody should rotate so everybody is going to get their time to shine. That’s what I’m saying. You got to make the best of the opportunities when you get them.”

Stacking up with the rest of the Big Ten, though, Penn State’s strong showing is still not the best. At the head of the line, Ohio State checks in at No. 1 overall. And, according to the outlet, Michigan is a close second ahead of the 2024 campaign. Oregon wraps up the conference’s representation with the No. 10 defensive line.

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