Two Penn State performers crack PFF Big Board for 2023 NFL Draft

From the outset, duplicating the success of Penn State’s 2022 NFL Draft class might be a challenge next year. In the first release of the Pro Football Focus NFL Draft Big Board ranking of the top 124 players in college football, that appears to be the case.

Among the players ranked in the offering, the Nittany Lions have two prospects. At No. 66, fourth-year cornerback Joey Porter Jr. checks in. Down the list, third-year receiver Parker Washington is also poised for an NFL opportunity, should he choose to take it.

Coming out of an NFL Draft in which Penn State produced three of the top 50 picks though, certainly, circumstances can change. Led by receiver Jahan Dotson’s selection at No. 16 overall to Washington, Penn State also sent Arnold Ebiketie (No. 38 to Atlanta) and Jaquan Brisker (No. 48 to Chicago) to the league before the end of the second round.

Here’s a look at the current Penn State players best positioned to hear their names called early in next year’s NFL Draft according to PFF:

Penn State picks on PFF Big Board

Joey Porter Jr. – No. 66 overall

Joey Porter Jr. doesn’t need to look far for guidance on how to become a draftable prospect next year.

Having opted to come back to Penn State for his fourth season, Porter already has a buzz coming off back-to-back seasons as a starter for the Nittany Lions. And according to teammate Tariq Castro-Fields, selected in the sixth round by the San Francisco 49ers last month, Porter has clear areas he can improve on ahead of the 2022 season.

“I would say more just the mental side of things. Just diving into the playbook, diving into film,” Castro-Fields said. “He’s a smart guy. But, for him to be where he wants to be, which is that first-round type of category, we all know he has all the physical tools and everything like that. 

“When he puts it all together, he’s gonna be like the number one corner coming out next year. So he just has to keep his head down. I went through this process before he did, so he can ask me anything about how I dealt with it and things like that.”

Through the course of Penn State’s spring practices, Porter only further cemented that place. And he did so from a few different perspectives.

Taking steps to improve on the 2021 campaign, a performance that earned Porter third-team All-Big Ten status by conference coaches and an honorable mention nod by the media, Porter was also said to have taken strides as the anchor of the cornerbacks room. Finishing with 51 tackles, a forced fumble, four passes broken up and an interception last year, the expectations are even higher for the season ahead.

“We expect Joey to anchor to cornerback room. Between him and Tig, those guys have played the most football and they have to produce. We expect them to be high production and hopefully, Joey can take that side of the field away,” cornerbacks coach Terry Smith said. “He’s had a great spring. I mean, when he’s on the field, everybody on the offense knows it. His presence is felt. It’s tough to get off of releases. The guy is physical. He had a big hit on Monday at practice. He’s imposing. 

“He’s just got to continue to build on that and build his confidence, fine-tune him, get him healthy all the way, and get him stronger. He’s a big guy, so we’re expecting a lot from him.”

Parker Washington – No. 100 overall

Opposite Porter on the other side of the field, Penn State has another outstanding NFL prospect this season in Parker Washington.

A third-team All-Big Ten pick by PFF, Washington finished second on the Nittany Lions in receiving last season. Trailing only Dotson in his production, the 5-foot-10, 212-pound receiver put up 64 catches for 820 yards and five touchdowns, making at least one reception in all 13 games. 

Building on a true freshman campaign that saw Washington make an immediate impact behind Dotson in 2020, the stage is now cleared for Washington’s biggest showing yet. And if Dotson’s projections are any indication of what’s to come, the high expectations accompanying Washington’s third year are warranted. 

“Number three, Parker Washington. He’s gonna have big shoes to fill and he’s going to do it,” Dotson said this spring. “I know the capability he has. He’s one of the best receivers in the country. I truly believe that, and he’s gonna prove it to you guys this year. You guys are gonna see a lot of highlight plays and a lot of big numbers from him. I just can’t wait to watch him.”

The side of Washington’s development that Dotson won’t be able to see has already come in the receivers room.

A steady presence throughout his Penn State career, Washington has reportedly helped fill the void in Dotson’s absence.

“Parker is another guy who came in, in my class. So it’s time for us to take on that leadership role and he is one of the guys who has taken on that role since Han has been here, really,” KeAndre Lambert-Smith said this spring. “We always tried to lead the room and just have a voice in the room. He’s one of those guys who always did that.”