PICTURES: New Nittany Lions in the Pros

Kevin McGuire started this off with a tweet this morning showing Aaron Maybin at the Bills mini-camp. I used my best internet sleuthing to find the other four PSU player drafted in 2009. Here are pictures of the five newest Nittany Lions in the Pros during recent team activities.

Aaron Maybin, Buffalo Bills, 1st round, 11th overall.

Derrick Williams, Detroit Lions, 3rd round, 82nd overall.

Deon Butler, Seattle Seahawks, 3rd round, 91st overall.

Rich Ohrnberger, New England Patriots, 4th round, 123rd overall.
(He's facing us; not #76)

A.Q. Shipley, Pittsburgh Steelers, 7th round, 226th overall.

I'll try to find pictures of all of the undrafted players at camps soon!

NEW Nittany Lions in the Pros

As my Nittany Lions in the Pros series comes to an end, a new chapter was written for consideration next year. Five more former Penn State players were selected in the 2009 NFL draft and an additional 10 were signed as UDFAs on Sunday.

• DE Aaron Maybin, 1st Round, 11th Overall, Buffalo Bills
• WR Derrick Williams, 3rd Round, 82nd Overall, Detroit Lions
• WR Deon Butler, 3rd Round, 91st Overall, Seattle Seahawks
• OG Rich Ohrnberger, 4th Round 123rd Overall, New England Patriots
• OC A.Q. Shipley, 7th Round, 226th Overall, Pittsburgh Steelers
• DE Maurice Evans, Undrafted, New York Giants
• WR Jordan Norwood, Undrafted, Cleveland Browns
• OT Gerald Cadogan, Undrafted, Carolina Panthers
• S Mark Rubin, Undrafted, St. Louis Rams
• S Anthony Scirrotto, Undrafted, Carolina Panthers
• DE Josh Gaines, Undrafted, Philadelphia Eagles
• CB Tony Davis, Undrafted, Arizona Cardinals
• CB Lydell Sargeant, Undrafted, Buffalo Bills
• FB Dan Lawlor, Undrafted, Washington Redskins
• LB Tyrell Sales, Undrafted, Indianapolis Colts

Kicker Kevin Kelly is the only Penn State draft hopeful yet to sign with a pro team. Of note, former Nittany Lion DT Chris Baker, booted from the team last summer, signed with Denver as a UDFA. Baker finished his college career at Hampton.

Penn State should start setting up satellite campuses in Buffalo, NY and Charlotte, NC. Both the Bills and Panthers seem to love former Nittany Lions. LB Paul Posluszny was a Bills second round pick in 2007. Former Penn State safety Bryan Scott signed with Buffalo as a free agent in 2007 as well. They are joined by Maybin and Sargeant. In Carolina, Cadogan and Scirrotto will be reunited with Dan Connor, the Panthers third round pick in 2008. Tim Shaw also spent some time with the Panthers.

Nittany Lions in the Pros - Quarterbacks

Well my Nittany Lions in the Pros feature is officially over after today's installment - the quarterbacks. It's been a fun two months, recapping how past Penn Staters fared in the unforgiving NFL. Some were great and made their mark; others lasted only a year (or less).

One of the least productive positions in Penn State history, in terms of NFL success, is the position viewed by many to be the most important on the gridiron. The QBs that have played at Penn State have been adequate but rarely top professional talents. Our field generals usually did enough to win games (or just enough not to lose them). In the NFL that just doesn't cut it; you need a playmaker, something few former PSU QBs are able to accomplish at the next level.

The QB list is short. A mere 12 players have participated at the NFL level since 1966.

Click to enlarge statistics.

OVERVIEW
Just 12 former Nittany Lion QBs have appeared at the highest professional football level since 1966. In fact, half of that group only lasted one or two years in The League. The 12 QBs accumulated a total of 63 years in the NFL, just over fiver per player. But, as I previously stated, half of those 12 only contributed 8 of those 63 years. The other half total 55 years, more than eight seasons per player. Unfortunately none of these QBs ever made the All-Pro First Team. Former Penn State QBs have made the problem just four five* times. And, technically, only twice because Milt Plum was a Pro Bowler in 1960 and 1961 - five years before the official Super Bowl era. He's included on this list because he played through 1969. Kerry Collins made the Pro Bowl twice and Jeff Hostetler made it to Hawaii once. Collins along with Todd Blackledge, who will always be loved in State College for his work with the 1982 team, were the only PSU QBs taken in round one. Blackledge was part of the famed QB Class of 1983, which produced John Elway, Jim Kelly, and Dan Marino.

*Collins' 2008 Pro Bowl appearance was not factored into Pro Football References statistics yet.

NITTANY LION STANDOUT
This is a simple one. Kerry Collins beats out Milt Plum and Jeff Hostetler. Collins, while not living up to his #5 draft slot, has had a solid NFL career. While he hasn't captured a Super Bowl title like Hostetler, he did lead a team there (oddly enough the same franchise Hostetler lead to a championship in 1990). He has had some great years and has a good one or two left as well. Collins has played in 178 games with 164 starts spread out over five teams - Carolina Panthers (1995-1998), New Orleans Saints (1998), New York Giants (1999-2003), Oakland Raiders (2004-2005), and Tennessee Titans (2006-present). Collins has amassed 3,160 completions on 5,669 passing attempts (55.7%). He has thrown for 37,393 yards which ranks 14th all-time. He has 186 TDs and 179 INTs credited to him thus far in his career. He took the Giants to Super Bowl XXXV versus the Baltimore Ravens following the 2000 NFL season and, last year, was a key cog in making the Tennessee Titans the best team in the AFC during the 2008 regular season. Collins is one of my favorite NFL players, having graduated from Penn State was well as from my high school (Wilson in West Lawn, PA). I have personally gotten his autograph on multiple occasions and, despite the rocky start to his career, he is a stand-up guy through and through.

2009 DRAFT
No former PSU players will be entered this years draft as a quarterback.

Nittany Lions in the Pros - Running Backs

The penultimate installment in my Nittany Lions in the Pros feature focuses on the running back position. It is a glamor position; one that is always scrutinized yet carries a certain mythos about it. RBs are often featured and held in high regard at both the college and professional level. Their ability to pound between the tackles, pick up first downs, and occasionally score a long TD are all welcomed additions to a teams game plan - and they're fun to watch.

Like the linebacker position, the running back position has its fair shares of Saturday legends at Penn State. Below is a list of those weekend warriors that made the jump to the next competition level: the NFL. The list is rather long and shows a bit more promise than some of the more recent positions profiled.

Click to enlarge statistics.

OVERVIEW

Over the last 43 NFL seasons 31 former Penn State RBs have taken the field in the NFL and those players have accumulated 175 seasons of experience, about 6 seasons/player. On average a former Nittany Lion will start for only 2 of their 6 seasons in the league. Luckily a few players pick up the slack, as usually is the case. In the last four decades PSU RBs have been selected to 25 Pro Bowls and have been named to the All Pro First Team seven times. The All Pro designations are split amongst three players while the Pro Bowls are more evenly distributed. Six Penn State alums have made it to the Pro Bowl as a featured back. Unfortunately there have been 10 Penn Staters selected in round one. I say "unfortunately" because, usually, they failed to live up to their hype. Heisman winner John Cappelletti, 1995 #1 overall pick Ki-Jana Carter, D.J. Dozier, Curtis Enis, Booker Moore, and Blair Thomas are all former Nittany Lion backs taken in round one that never made the Pro Bowl. Fortunately for our track record there were four that made an impact: Curt Warner, Larry Johnson, Franco Harris, and Lenny Moore.

NITTANY LION STANDOUT
This one is easy though it probably isn't the man many would expect. While Franco Harris is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Larry Johnson has had his share of success (when he isn't injured or in trouble), the former PSU player who made the biggest impact in the NFL is none other than Mr. Lenny Moore. Moore actually barely makes the cut because much of his career took place before the Super Bowl (or AFL-NFL Championship Game as it was originally called). Moore spent his entire 12 year career with the Baltimore Colts, amassing 1,069 rushing attempts for 5,174 yards (4.8 yards/carry) and 63 TDs. He made the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 1956 and became a First Team All Pro in 1958, the first of four straight years he was given the honor. Overall he totaled five First team All Pro selections and seven Pro Bowl berths. He actually ranks 13th on the All-Time Career Total TD list with 113, one in front of Shaun Alexander and three behind Hall of Famer John Riggins. Moore himself was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1975. He won two NFL Championships (1958 & 1959) and appeared in two more (1964 & 1965). Sorry, Franco, but Moore is my choice as Nittany Lion Standout Running Back.

2009 DRAFT
No former PSU players will be entering this years draft as a running back.

NEXT WEEK: Quarterbacks take center stage in the final installment for Nittany Lions in the Pros. Is Kerry Collins the most decorated Penn State signal caller?

For more information on running backs and the NFL draft, check out my recent draft trends and averages for the position.

Nittany Lions in the Pros - Tight Ends

Nittany Lions in the Pros continues with a look at the tight ends. I've gone over how TEs have fared recently in the NFL draft, but how have former Penn Staters done at the next level? The position is less utilized in college (no data on that, just an observation). TEs can be considered safety nets for QBs and that is definitely apparent in collegeiate stadiums. Rarely are TEs the main target on a play or in a game plan. They are more important as a blocker and as a last resort for a QB in trouble. This is how it is at Penn State.

It hasn't been a position steeped with much tradition, though we have had our share of solid contributors that made it to the next level. Below is a list of the former Nittany Lion players that appeared in the NFL. Statistics are from 1966 through 2008.

Click to enlarge statistics.

OVERVIEW
Like I said, solid but no real headline-type player. But how many TEs really are in college? Can you name any real collegiate standouts at the position? Probably not because there are only 10 enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame. But wait! One of them is a Penn Stater! Yep, Ted Kwalick is one of only 10 TEs in the CFHOF. Well that's good. Success wasn't as easy to come by in the NFL. Former Penn State TEs have been named to the All Pro First Team only once (Kwalick) and the Pro Bowl just five times (3 for Kwalick; 2 for Mickey Shuler, Sr.). Fourteen Nittany Lions have gone on to play in the NFL and they lasted for a combine 89 years and counting, thanks to Tony Stewart and John Gilmore (Wilson-West Lawn represent!). The group, on average, starts for 50% of their time in the NFL.

NITTANY LION STANDOUT
Another hard decision. While Kwalick is the university's only All Pro product at TE and accounts for 3/5 of the Pro Bowl appearances, Mickey Shuler, Bob Parsons, and Kyle Brady all have to be in the discussion. Those three players make up 31 of the 43 years of starting experience. However, Parsons spent most of those years as a punter, not a TE. Bye, bye Parsons. So who is it gonna be? There can only be one. Alright I guess I'll, reluctantly, go with Mickey Shuler. Shuler started 108 of the 180 games he played between 1978 and 1991. He accumulated the most catches of the former PSU TEs with 462 for 5100 yards and 37 TDs. He appeared in the Pro Bowl following the 1986 and 1988 seasons. Shuler narrowly edges out Brady and Kwalick.

2009 DRAFT
No former PSU players will be entering this years draft as a tight end.

NEXT WEEK: Running backs. Lenny Moore? Jack Ham? Someone else? Find out next Tuesday.

Nittany Lions in the Pros - Punters

I have covered all the positions in which former Nittany Lions football players hope to be selected in the 2009 draft. Now it's time to look at the few positions that Penn State isn't placing in the pros this year. To kick things off we'll start with punters (no pun intended).

Punters get little recognition. Unless they boom a crazy 70+ yard kick or squib one backwards, they just do their job and go unnoticed. The position has been pretty steady and reliable over the last few years, from David Royer to Jeremy Kapinos to Jeremy Boone. What about in decades past? And have any made an impact in the NFL? Here is what the stats say.

Click to enlarge statistics.

OVERVIEW
In 43 NFL seasons, former Penn State punters have appeared in only 16 of them. No Nittany Lion punter participated in an NFL game until Ralph Giacomarro in 1983. He started a 15 year period in which a former PSU punter played in the NFL. Once Greg Montgomery retired after the 1997 season, no punter appeared in the NFL until Jeremy Kapinos in 2007 (one game for the Jets). He punted in four games for the Packers in 2008 as well. The sudden presence of three punters in the 1980's shows just how deep Penn State's two national championship squads were. In 16 seasons, Penn State punters have compiled only one All Pro 1st Team and Pro Bowl selections.

NITTANY LION STANDOUT
The list of former Penn State punters is short. The list of those that have made in impact are even shorter. Greg Montgomery was the starting punter for six seasons with the Houston Oilers and also played a season with Detroit and two with Baltimore. He is the only former Nittany Lion to earn an All Pro 1st Team selection and a trip to the Pro Bowl (1993). There is some hope that Kapinos latches on and stays with a team. Or perhaps Jeremy Boone can make an impact in 2010.

2009 DRAFT
No former PSU players will be entering this years draft as a punter.

NEXT WEEK: Tight Ends. Is Kyle Brady the best?

Nittany Lions in the Pros - Wide Receivers

Today will undoubtedly be the longest installment of Nittany Lions in the Pros. Penn State was blessed with a fresh stable of workhorse WRs in 2005, one that help Penn State declare "We Are Back". Now they are on their way to the NFL.

What's in store for Derrick Williams, Deon Butler, and Jordan Norwood now that their time in white and blue is up? How have past Penn State WRs fared as professionals? Check out the statistics below.

Click to enlarge statistics.

OVERVIEW
According to Pro Football Reference - where all of the Nittany Lions in the Pros data has come from - Penn State has sent 19 WRs to the NFL in the last 43 years. Looking at this more closely we, as Penn Stat fans, see this is misleading. At least Ethan Kilmer (safety) and Michael Robinson (running back) do not play WR in the NFL and possibly others on this list did not play there during their professional days. That drops us to 17. Lowering the number doesn't help Penn State's case. Once every three years a Penn State alum will make it to the NFL as a WR. Without a wider context with regards to other major universities it's hard to tell if that is good or not. What isn't good is that a PSU WR has made the All Pro 1st team just once. But wait... he made it as a kick returner! So NO All Pro performances by a Nittany Lion receiver EVER. The same goes for Pro Bowls! That is a little ridiculous. It seems that Penn State produces solid guys but never a true #1. This doesn't bode well for Williams, Butler, and Norwood. Of course, it only takes one to start rewriting statistical history. Penn State has had more success in the last 15 years than they did from 1966 through 1992. Eleven former PSU WRs made NFL rosters in that period and it resulted in a total of only eight seasons accrued as a starter in 49 seasons. Yuck. However, when O.J. McDuffie was taken in the 1st round by the Dolphins things improved.

NITTANY LION STANDOUT
Between 1993 and 2008, six Penn State WRs have been drafted/signed to NFL rosters and 16 years as a starter have added up over a total of 46 seasons. Nothing to brag about but certainly better than the first 2.5 decades. So who among this group of six is best? I'd argue it comes down to McDuffie, Joe Jurevicius, and Bobby Engram. McDuffie was a 1st round choice of the Dolphins in 1993 and started in five of his eight seasons in the league. Jurevicius was a second round pick of the Giants in 1998 and has played 10 seasons (with a final 11th coming in 2009). He has only been a teams primary starter for three of those seasons but he has always been around winners. He went to the Super Bowl with the Giants (XXXV), Buccaneers (XXXVI), and Seahawks (XL). Last is Engram who is my choice for standout. Like McDuffie and Jurevicius, Engram was selected early in the draft (52nd pick by the Bears in 1996) and was set to be a top WR. He never reached the lofty goals the organization and fans had for him but was always a solid contributor on and off the field. Engram has played 13 season in the NFL (five with the Bears, the last eight with Seattle) and will be playing at least one more in 2009 (with the Chiefs). The former Penn State All American and Biletnikof winner is the most decorated former PSU WR in the NFL, for better or worse.

2009 DRAFT
Derrick Williams garnered all the praise and admiration coming out of high school but he may not be the one NFL scouts see as having the best upside at the next level. There are rumblings that Deon Butler has performed well enough since the season ended that he could hear his name called before D-Will. How did the two of them plus Norwood perform during their four year stint in Happy Valley? Williams amassed 161 receptions for 1,743 yards and nine TDs in 46 career games. He returned 66 punts for 724 yards with three TDs and added another 50 returns, 1,095 yards, and two TDs on kickoffs. He rushed 117 times for 594 yards and eight TDs. Did you know that Williams had only one career 100+ yard receiving game (11/10/2007 @ Temple)? Williams will be drafted primarily as a speedy slot guy who can also return kicks. However, since he is a hard worker and high character guy he'll provide whatever team selects him great value.

How about Butler? While Williams became a jack-of-all-trades and more of an athlete than receiver, Butler was the QBs go-to guy. He played in all 51 of Penn State's games over the last four seasons and caught 179 passes for 2,771 yards and 22 TDs. He had six career 100+ yard receiving games and holds the Penn State record for receiving yards in a game (216 vs Northwestern, 9/30/2006). Pretty good idea shifting him from DB to WR prior to his redshirt freshman season, no? Good job coaching staff! Butler has tremendous upside and is actually faster and a better catcher than the more heralded Williams. Butler could sneak into the end of round two. Definitely expect to hear his name called early on day two.

Last, but certainly not least, is Jordan Norwood. Norwood played in 48 of the last 51 games, missing only the 2005 opener versus South Florida as a freshman and the Illinois and Purdue games in 2008 due to injury. He accumulated 158 catches for 2,015 yards, and 13 TDs. Yep, more receiving yards and TDs than Williams. He also returned two punts for 23 yards. Norwood actually appeared to be the most sure-handed WR of the three. He had hands like glue and didn't fear going over the middle. That tenacity and spirit could help him latch on to a slot role like Wes Welker and Davone Bess. Again, he could be a late round or undrafted gem. WRs are supposed to catch, right? He does that. Well.

So what are the chances of all three being drafted in a month? I'd say about 65%. Butler and Williams are a lock; look for them to go in rounds two or three. Norwood could sneak his way into the late sixth or seventh round. They each had respectable Pro Day workouts a few weeks ago. All will make NFL rosters for training camp.

All three compare favorably to McDuffie, Jurevicius, and Engram. I'd say that's a compliment. However, we are looking for the first great PSU WR in the NFL. Will we get it? I have to say probably not. This senior trio was phenomenal at Penn State but I have a tough time believing any of the three will become more than a complementary or role playing WR. But ya never know, right?

Nittany Lions in the Pros - Offensive Tackles

My weekly feature is winding down. After today's post there is only one more position to examine. This week we conclude our journey along the offensive line by focusing on the bookends - the offensive tackles. OTs are the most widely heralded - and criticized - offensive line position. It is more or less their responsibility to keep the QB upright. Just like CBs in man-to-man coverage with no help over the top, OTs are usually left alone to handle DEs or blitzing LBs. If you have poor OT play, your QB will be running for his life.

Is this a sacred position for Penn State? Has the team churned out premiere NFL talent over the last 4+ decades? What is in store for Gerald Cadogan? Check out statistics of former Penn State players in the NFL below.

Click to enlarge statistics.

OVERVIEW
Wow, only 14 former Penn State players have latched on to NFL rosters over the last 43 years? That's only one every three years is good enough to be a pro. Maybe that isn't as bad as it sounds. It's hard to tell with comparisons with other similar institutions (Ohio State, Michigan - perhaps a feature for the next month?). Anyway, former Penn State OTs stick around in the NFL for about seven seasons. In 92 accrued seasons of play by 14 former Nittany Lions, only two were All Pro worthy - both by Stew Barber. Barber also makes up for five of the seven Pro Bowl selections. The others were earned by Keith Dorney (1982) and Brad Benson (1986). Only 4 of the 14 OTs lasted 10 or more years in the NFL. However, 5 of the 14 started for at least eight seasons and half started for six or more years. Once again it seems Penn State molds solid professionals at the position but lacks that one marquee name.

NITTANY LION STANDOUT
Stew Barber is really the only option. He was drafted by teams in both the NFL (Dallas) and AFL (Buffalo), where he spent his entire nine year career. Barber actually played his rookie year at LB and notched three INTs and a TD. He moved to LT in 1962 and played 111 games at along the OL, most at LT. Barber got acquainted with his new position in one year. By year two, 1963, he was an All Pro and Pro Bowl player.

2009 DRAFT
Gerald Cadogan enters the draft after a stupendous season for the blue and white. However things weren't always as great for Cadogan as 2008 turned out to be. He came to Penn State in 2004 and promptly was redshirted. He broke through in 2005 and was the backup to Levi Brown at LT. Unfortunately for Cadogan the team wasn't explosive enough nor did Brown miss much time for him to add many game snaps to his resume (just 41). He became a starter - at LG - to start the 2006 season. He started the first four games of the season, was a backup against Northwestern, started against Minnesota, then played in five of the final seven games as a reserve. He did not play versus Purdue or Wisconsin. Cadogan's play was not up to par for the coaching staff resulting in his demotion. Perhaps he really was best suited for tackle? Cadogan responded. With Brown in the NFL in 2007, Cadogan became the de facto LT. As a redshirt junior in 2007, Cadogan started 12 of the teams 13 games at LT, missing only the Michigan game due to injury. His play was much better at LT than LG and big things were expected from him for 2008. He delivered. The mammoth OT started all 13 games at LT and was a big reason for Penn State's success this past season. In his four years as an active player, Cadogan amassed 30 starts for successful o-lines that produced 1,000 yard rushers and a dangerous passing attack in 2008.

What should we expect from Cadogan on draft day? Or really, what can we expect from teams doing the drafting? OTs are always in demand so I have 100% confidence he'll be selected. Right now, Cadogan is ranked the 9th best OT (and 92nd best player available) by Draft Tek and 9th best OT and 88th best player by NFL Draft Scout. On the other hand, ESPN has him as the 16th best OT and isn't ranked overall. Last year there were 22 OTs selected. Cadogan is safe. I expect him to go in the third or fourth round at this point.

Why? Because he is quite strong, has a great push, uses good leverage, and has a powerful first punch with long arms. He has a bit of a mean streak and never gives up on a play. Those things are big to scouts and NFL personnel. Unfortunately he doesn't always use the best technique and his footwork leaves much to be desired. If he is drafted by a team that can allow him to learn for a season or two and has a superb o-line coach, Cadogan could become one of those 10-year, solid OT types. Or he could be a three year, see ya later kind of player. He has talent but hit must be nurtured. He'll be drafted and make it through August cuts. He has too much talent not to be a viable backup at RT and can provide depth at OG.

The offensive line has been analyzed. Next week will be a position that received much of the spotlight last season - wide receivers. Yeah, I think Penn State has a guy or two (or three) that could make an impact on Sundays.

Nittany Lions in the Pros - Guards

It's Monday and that means that it is time for my weekly installment of Nittany Lions in the Pros. This week's focus remains on the offensive line, shifting from center to guard. Of all the o-lineman, guards are widely believed to have the easiest job. They rarely make the blocking decisions - though do make line calls - and have a player buffer to either side of them. But guards are an integral part to the unit, usually securing hole for runs up the gut or pulling to provide additional blocking for a toss play.

How have former Nittany Lions performed in the NFL? Who was the standout? What can we expect from Rich Ohrnberger, this year's only Penn State OG headed for the NFL? Find out below. First up is a list of former Nittany Lion guards and their performance in the NFL.

Click to enlarge statistics.

OVERVIEW
Nittany Lion OGs seem to hang around the league longer than a few other positions. They average Penn State guard will suit up on an NFL squad for about seven seasons, starting for four of them. Of the 24 Nittany Lion guards since 1966, three of them - Mike Munchak (twice), Dave Szott, Steve Wisniewski (twice) - have combined for five appearances on the All Pro 1st Team. Munchak and Wisniewski make up 17 of the 20 Pro Bowl selections. Like all positions we have a mixed bag of one-year wonders and Pro Bowl, long-term studs.

NITTANY LION STANDOUT
This clearly comes down to two players - Mike Munchak and Steve Wisniewski. As I previously stated, they make up 85% of Penn State alums in the Pro Bowl at the guard position. But who is the best? I am leaning towards Wisniewski. There's a reason I used him in my Nittany Lions in the Pros graphic. Though he has fallen short in the Hall of Fame voting, Wisniewski is a member of the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team. And you can't discount two Pro Bowl and First Team All Pro selections. Wisniewski also was a starter for all 13 years he was a Raider (though he does lose points for being a member of that team ... just kidding ... sort of). Wisniewski is my choice for Nittany Lion Standout at guard.

2009 DRAFT
Rich Ohrnberger is the only guard with a shot at being drafted, though the odds are against him. He is a very physical lineman but in the NFL he'll be a bit undersized and weak. He needs to add 10-15 pounds, mostly muscle. Guards routinely top the 300 lb. mark and Ohrnberger is a leaner 297. He also has an uphill battle because he was not invited to the combine. He must impress scouts on Wednesday - Penn State's Pro Day - to be considered a late round (6th-7th) pick. Right now, I think he'll go undrafted but will definitely be brought in by some team as an UDFA.

Ohrnberger had a successful run at Penn State. As a member of the team from 2004 through 2008 he was a part of 44 wins and 18 losses, most of which came during his redshirt season in 2004. Rich was a reserve in 2005, seeing action in three early season games as a special teams performer and in mop up duty. Ohrnberger would become a starter by the fifth game of the 2006 season, taking over the RG sport from Robert Price who shifted to LG and bumped Gerald Cadogan to a backup capacity. He started all 13 games in 2007, 12 at RG and the Iowa game at LG. This one-game swap would happen again - only in reverse - in 2008, much to the dismay of Penn State fans. Rich started 12 of 13 games at LG for the 2008 Big Ten Champions. He started at RG during the Iowa loss. Coincidence? Probably, but it is one of the many reasons angry fans pointed to for the loss to the Hawkeyes. He, like Shipley, paved the way for Tony Hunt, Rodney Kinlaw, and Evan Royster to have great seasons in 2006, 2007, and 2008 respectively.

Ohrnberger certainly isn't a household name but he has the right skill set and mental capacity to grow and learn in the NFL. If a team takes him in the 7th round or signs him as a free agent and gives him a year or two to gain strength and learn their scheme they could have a hidden gem... or at least a solid backup. He just needs some time.

Next week I'll finish the offensive line by looking at former Penn State OTs and this years prospect, Gerald Cadogan.

Nittany Lions in the Pros - Centers

I'm back once again for my weekly installment of Nittany Lions in the Pros. This week I'll be taking a look at the heart and soul of the offensive line, the center. The center is generally the field general of the trenches. He is responsible for making the line calls, pointing out blitzes, and making adjustments on the fly. Penn State was blessed with a superb starting center for the last three seasons. A.Q. Shipley was a steady force in the middle, constantly clearing paths for Tony Hunt, Rodney Kinlaw, and Evan Royster and keeping Anthony Morelli and Daryll Clark upright.

How have other former Nittany Lion centers fared in the NFL? And what could be in store for "little" Allan Q.? Below is the list of former Penn State centers and how well they have performed in the NFL since 1966 (or the Super Bowl Era).

Click to enlarge statistics.

OVERVIEW
The center position isn't as polished as, say, the linebacker position at Penn State. Really, by looking at the data, you can see that former Nittany Lion centers really are hit-or-miss (as a starter) in the NFL. The average Penn State center will play six seasons in the NFL, starting three of those seasons. When we break it down though, you're either a starter for a decade or a backup for a few years. There is basically no middle ground. Only one Penn State alum has made an All Pro squad and Pro Bowl as a center.

NITTANY LION STANDOUT
That alum would be Jeff Hartings. Hartings - the only former Nittany Lion center to be drafted in the 1st round - is the easy choice for standout performer. He is one of only three alums to play the position in the NFL for a decade or more and is the sole Nittany Lion All Pro and Pro Bowl center. Hartings was drafted 23rd overall in 1996 by the Detroit Lions. After the culmination of his 5-year rookie contract, Hartings returned to Pennsylvania to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Hartings was supplanting former Steeler great Dermontti Dawson as the teams center (and Dawson had replaced the great Mike Webster). He played six seasons for the Steelers, winning a Super Bowl following the 2005 season. A year later he would retire.

2009 DRAFT
A.Q. Shipley had a wonderful career for Penn State. Though he was hesitant to shift from DT to OC during his redshirt freshman year, he did so for the best interest of the team. He was the primary backup at guard and center during the 2005 season until he was switched back to DT midway through the year. Shipley appeared in every game in some capacity as a redshirt freshman. In the spring of 2006 Shipley was shifted again to center, where he eventually won the starting job. As a redshirt sophomore Shipley started every game at center for an offensive line that allowed Tony Hunt to rush for 1,386 yards - an average of five yards per carry - and 11 TDs. The following year, despite the RB spot in some disarray, Shipley and Co. opened up holes big enough to allow the shifty Rodney Kinlaw to rush for 1,329 yards - five and a half yards per carry - and 10 TDs. He was named first team All-Big Ten by the coaches and was a candidate for the Rimington Trophy, awarded to the nation's top center. In 2008 Shipley helped Evan Royster (1,236 yards/12 TDs), Stephfon Green (578/4), Daryll Clark (282/10), and Derrick Williams (243/3) combine for 2,339 yards and 29 TDs. Once again he was recognized as the Big Ten's best center and ended up winning the Rimington Trophy. In his four year career on the active roster, Shipley participated in 51 games with 39 starts at center (he started every game at center from 2006 through 2008).

Shipley, at 6' 1" and 304 pounds, has the build that most teams like for their centers. Unfortunately he is rather stubby, with short arms that are unable to deliver a fierce first blow to an opponent. Despite his shortcomings, Shipley's stock has been rising of late due to his standout performance at last month's combine. He was a "top performer" among offensive linemen in the bench press (tied for 4th; 33 reps of 225 lbs.), vertical jump (tied for 6th; 31.0 inches), 3-cone drill (tied for 4th; 7.46 seconds), and 20-yard shuttle (2nd; 4.40 seconds). Shipley is seen as a 5th-6th round prospect at the moment but may continue to rise up draft boards as teams examine game tape and watch him at Penn State's pro day on March 18th. Shipley will definitely be drafted and the team that takes him will have real tough, knowledgeable, and dedicated young man looking to excel at the next level. He has the right athleticism and mindset to become another decade-long contributor in the NFL.

Look for teams that utilize a zone blocking scheme (such as Denver, Washington, Oakland, Houston, and Green Bay) to take a long look at Allan Q. in the 4th or 5th round this April.

Next week I'll stay on the offensive line and take a look at A.Q.'s linemate Rich Ohrnberger and the history of former Penn State guards in the NFL.

You can see the other installments of my Nittany Lions in the Pros series here.

Nittany Lions in the Pros - Linebackers

The 5th entry in my Nittany Lions in the Pros series takes a look at the position that is unquestionably the most prestigious at Penn State; one that is regarded as the best of the best nationwide. I, of course, am referring to the linebacker position.

Below is the list of former Penn State linebackers and how well they have performed in the NFL since 1966 (or the Super Bowl Era). It's a big list, as expected.

Click to enlarge statistics.

OVERVIEW
Penn State is always in good hands. Basically, the linebacker position is always solid; there tends to be at least one LB that is a All American/Big Ten performer or potential award winner. However, the position has seen a renaissance of late thanks to Paul Posluszny, Dan Connor, Sean Lee, and Navorro Bowman (plus four or five freshman ready to carry the torch next).

Common sense tells you that just by the shear number of former Penn State LBs have played the position in the NFL (51) that the Nittany Lions are doing something right. Well they are also performing at the next level. Former Penn State 'backers have accumulated seven All Pro selections, 19 Pro Bowl appearances, 121 seasons as starters, and 266 seasons on an NFL roster. Four have been selected in the 1st, eight in the second, and eleven in the third round of the NFL draft. Just about 45% of Penn State linebackers entering the draft have been taken on the (old) first day of the draft (rounds one through three).

So, who's been the best Nittany Lion in the Pros? Despite there being so many choices, this is perhaps the simplest choice at any position. No questions asked.

NITTANY LION STANDOUT
Jack Ham. That's it. No way is anyone more decorated or distinguished than him. He accounts for six of Penn State's seven All Pro selections (Dave Robinson being the other) and eight of the 19 Pro Bowl selections. The man was a beast. In his 12 NFL seasons he accumulated 32 INTs (1 for TD) and 21 fumble recoveries (1 for TD). He is credited with a mere 3 sacks but that is because the NFL only recorded sacks starting in 1982, his final season in the NFL. He started in - and won - four Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers (IX, X, XIII, XIV). He is a legend; no one will be close to unseating him for another decade or two.

2009 DRAFT
This is actually a down year for Penn State LBs entering the NFL. The only eligible player is Tyrell Sales. Sales was a solid yet unspectacular performer for the Nittany Lions over the last four seasons. He stepped in and started for the suspended Dan Connor in 2005 as a redshirt freshman and was the primary backup after Connor returned. He remained a backup in 2006 as Penn State trotted out the best linebacking corp in the nation with Connor, Paul Posluszny, and Sean Lee. When Posluszny departed for the NFL before the 2007 season, Sales became a starter. Sales played in all 51 of Penn State's games since 2005, which speaks for his ability to stay healthy. He also has played both OLB positions. Sales never was a big name nor media darling because he didn't have the outlandish numbers the trio before him had. Sales amassed 154 total tackles (82 solo), 12 tackles for loss, 1 pass defensed, 1 INT, and 3 forced fumbles.

Sales size (6' 2", 233 lbs.) is perfect for a 4-3 OLB in the NFL. However he may not have the speed, cover skills, or ability to diagnose plays that scouts are looking for. For Sales to be signed as a priority UDFA, he'll have to impress at the Penn State pro day this month. He may find his way on a roster for spring practices and for parts of training camp gut, unfortunately, I doubt he'll make it to the regular season.

Of course the outlook for 2010 is much brighter for Penn State. Sean Lee is out of eligibility and Navorro Bowman may make the jump a year early.

As you can see Penn State has the history to back up its claim to "Linebacker U". Not only do their players perform at a high level in college, they continue to have success in the NFL, too.

Next week, A.Q. Shipley will take "center" stage.

Nittany Lions in the Pros - Kickers

Today's installment of Nittany Lions in the Pros will focus on kickers. You can view previous entries in the series here, here, and here.

Below is the list of former Penn State kickers and their success in the National Football League since 1966.

Click to enlarge statistics.

OVERVIEW
Penn State has been in relatively good hands - or perhaps feet - since the mid-1970's. Every few years a great kicker comes along. The Bahr brothers were a Penn State staple through the 70's and Brian Franco and Massimo Manca had the position held down in the 80's. Manca kicked for both National Championship squads. A few years later Brett Conway would solidify the position followed soon thereafter by Robbie Gould and then Kevin Kelly, the focus of today's piece.

Not only were the Bahr's great college players they also excelled in the NFL, as demonstrated by their combined 31 year career. They never made a pro bowl but were continually solid. Chris kicked for three teams (Cincinnati, Los Angeles/Oakland, and San Diego). Matt traveled around the league, kicking for Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Cleveland, NY Giants, Philadelphia, and New England. The lone All Pro and Pro Bowl appearance belongs to rising star Robbie Gould. The Bears kicker went from unheralded college kicker to undrafted free agent to NFL Pro Bowler in about two years. Not too shabby. He has a promising future.

NITTANY LION STANDOUT
As of right now it has to be on of the Bahr brothers. They kicked in the league for well over a decade. Both were solid if unspectacular and looking at numbers its hard to justify picking one over the other. However, Matt Bahr did kick for two Super Bowl Champions (1979 Pittsburgh Steelers and the 1990 New York Giants). Chris did win a Super Bowl with the 1980 Oakland Raiders but two rings trumps one. Keep an eye on Gould though. He is still young and is considered one of the best in the league. If Chicago fixes some issues or Gould bolts for a new team, which is unlikely to happen since less than a year ago Chicago signed him through the 2013 season and made him the leagues highest paid kicker.


2009 DRAFT
Kevin Kelly finished his career with the most points scored in the history of Penn State football. That's what kicking for four years will do for ya. He finished just a few points short of the Big Ten record. Despite these statistical achievements, Kelly had a rough start to his collegiate career. He had an average 2005 season but his inability to make kick after kick in the 2006 Orange Bowl carried into the 2006 season. After two years of shoddy placekicking, fans wanted more. Kelly delivered. He started nailing all kicks as a soon-to-be-pro should. He was almost automatic from inside 40 yards in his junior and senior seasons. His career was the exact opposite of Gould's, who started strong but finished poorly. Kelly played in all 51 games he could while a Nittany Lion, connecting on 78 of 107 field goals attempted (~73%) and 183 of 185 extra point attempts (~99%). He also had one memorable rush on a fake FG which he took to the house for a 5 yard TD. The 73% FG percentage doesn't look good to the naked eye but when you look deeper you can see his progression. Kelly was 16 of 23 (~70%) as a freshman in 2005, 22 of 34 (~65%) as a sophomore in 2006, 20 of 26 (~77%) as a junior in 2007, and 20 of 24 (~83%) as a senior in 2008. Kelly showed such improvement in '07 and '08 that the staff occasionally had him try field goals over 52 yards.

Kickers are really a top priority of teams during the offseason, especially ones with no prior professional experience. However I definitely see Kelly pulling a Robbie Gould and making a training camp roster as a challenger to an aged veteran. Who knows, maybe he'll be the next kicker to sign a 5+ year deal for millions of dollars?

Nittany Lions in the Pros - Fullbacks

The third installment of Nittany Lions in the Pros will focus on an unheralded and mostly ignored position: fullback. Previous NLITP installments can be found here (DBs) and here (DEs).

Here are the few Penn State alums that have gone on to play FB in the NFL since 1966...

Click to enlarge statistics.

OVERVIEW
The fullback position - considered by many to be a dying position - is not glamorous. You're asked to the dirty work of clearing the road for the RB or picking up blitzers to protect the QB. Rarely do they get any carries. There is little fame for a FB. However if they don't do their job the impacts are grave. The RB is stuffed, possibly injured from a big hit by a LB. The QB is blindsided because the FB whiffed on his assignment. Not good.

There have been 91 FBs drafted since 1966, an average of just over two per year. So, yeah, it's not a high priority position. There has not been a FB drafted in the 1st round since 1994 (William Floyd, Florida State, 24th pick by San Francisco) anda FB hasn't been selected earlier than the 5th round in the last five drafts. FBs are considered a dime a dozen.

For Penn State, things are even worse. There have been only five former Nittany Lions to play FB in the NFL in the last 43 years. All of their playing time has occurred since 1992. Fortunately, four of the five Penn State FBs were in fact drafted, which is quite unusual. Most FBs make their way onto NFL rosters as priority UDFAs. Not Penn State. Omar Easy was the highest drafted FB (4th round, 2002), though he kind of was a hybrid RB/FB. All in all, the five Penn State FBs have accumulated 35 years in the NFL - 12 as starters - with three Pro Bowl appearances.

NITTANY LION STANDOUT
Though limited in number, Penn State FBs have certainly made a mark in the NFL. Choosing the best comes down to two: Richie Anderson and Sam Gash (though Sean mcHugh could make a name for himself in the coming years). Both played 12 seasons in the NFL, with Anderson as a starter for six and Gash a starter for five. Anderson made one Pro Bowl to Gash's two. However, Gash was 2nd Team All-Pro on two occasions (1998-1999, with Buffalo) and appeared in two Super Bowls (XXXI with New England and XXXV with Baltimore), winning once. For that, Sam Gash is my choice as the Nittany Lion Standout.

2009 DRAFT
Why am I focusing on the FB position? Well our very own Dan Lawlor is making the jump this April. Lawlor appeared in 25 games as a Nittany Lion, gaining 85 yards on 22 rushes, and scoring three TDs. He also had one reception for nine yards. Lawlor took over the starting FB duties in the middle of the 2007 season, thanks to a knee injury suffered by senior Matt Hahn. You can generally tell fullbacks are doing their job when no one talks about them. Mission accomplished; Lawlor has rarely heard his name whispered around Happy Valley. He was not invited to the combine so he will have to impress at the Penn State pro day workout in March. Lawlor has the size (6-2, 244) to be a successful FB in the NFL. He has the frame to add more size and strength while maintaining his above average speed. Lawlor should be signed as an UDFA after the draft.

Though Penn State has produced a mere five FBs in the Super Bowl Era, they have solid players. It's tough to make the All Pro 1st Team or appear in the Pro Bowl as a fullback - they generally only take one each year. Gash and Anderson showed Penn State has success with the position. McHugh is starting to make a name for himself, plus he just won a Super Bowl with Pittsburgh. Lawlor can add to the list this fall.

Nittany Lions in the Pros will be back on Friday, when I take a look at Penn State kickers in the NFL. Is Kevin Kelly the next Robbie Gould?

Nittany Lions in the Pros - Defensive Ends

The defensive backs have been covered. Now it's time for the defensive ends in my look at former Nittany Lions in the NFL. Much like the DBs, PSU DEs aren't as polished in the NFL as you may think.

Click to enlarge statistics.

There have been only 13 former Nittany Lion DEs to make NFL rosters in the last 43 years. Once again, none of them were 1st team All Pro selections or made the Pro Bowl. Of the 71 accrued seasons, only 31 of them were as starters (~44%). 9 of the 13 were drafted and 4 of them were in the 1st round. Unfortunately that statistic makes this data even worse. Not a single All Pro or Pro Bowler with 4 1st rounders, including the #1 overall pick? Ouch. Now Tamba Hali is still active and had a great rookie season in 2006, but he has seemed to plateau and hasn't garnered any real Pro Bowl talk. He's young and has time. Brow, Haynes, and Clark were definite busts. They combined for only 17 years in the league and 10 seasons of starting. Haynes didn't contribute to those 10 at all and lasted in the NFL only 3 seasons. This is rather depressing. Let's move on.

NITTANY LION STANDOUT
Again, no one really. It's difficult to judge when you don't have any recognized performances. Based on these stats I'd say Mike Hartenstine. He was in the NFL for 13 years, 9 of which he started. He wasn't a great player but was clearly solid and lived up to his late-2nd round draft pick status. The former PSU All-American won a Super Bowl with the Bears following the 1985 season.

2009 DRAFT
Will the status of Penn State DEs change in this draft? Doubtful, especially because Aaron Maybin will most likely be targeted as an OLB in 3-4 alignments. If he succeeds in bulking up he could be a DE in a 4-3 and bring some respectability to his alma mater at his original position but I'd place my money on him transitioning to OLB. Two other Nittany Lions will enter the draft as DEs, Maurice Evans and Josh Gaines. On paper neither looks to be the DE hero Penn State is looking for.

Aaron Maybin burst onto the scenes early in the 2008 season, thanks to the suspension of fellow DE and draft prospect Maurice Evans. By mid-October Maybin was rising up draft and scout boards for the 2009 NFL Draft. He finished his redshirt sophomore season with 49 tackles (21 for loss), 12 sacks, 3 passes defensed, and 3 forced fumbles. He was named to the Big Ten 1st Team Defense and was selected as an All-American. He is currently ranked as the 9th best prospect for the 2009 Draft by ESPNs Scouts, Inc. and as the 2nd best DE by Mel Kiper (need ESPNs Insider to view list). Maybin may end up being a dynamic professional, capable of making numerous Pro Bowls. However it will more than likely be as an OLB which doesn't improve Penn State's image at DE.

Maurice Evans was considered a sure-fire 1st rounder for the 2009 draft prior to the 2008 college season. After all in 2007 he had 54 tackles (23 for loss), 12.5 sacks, 3 passes defensed, 5 forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. A marijuana incident and dismal junior campaign later and Evans may not hear his name called until rounds 6 or 7 this April. NFL teams stress good character (OK, most of them do). The arrest and perceived "one-year wonder" status have hurt Evans greatly. Like Maybin, Evans is training diligently for the NFL combine and March Pro Day workouts. With added bulk but maintained speed and quickness, Evans could rise into the 4th or 5th round. If he keeps his head on straight and remains motivated he could be a former Penn State DE we can be extremely proud of. It could spiral downhill quickly, too.

The final DE prospect is Josh Gaines. Gaines was not invited to the combine so, like Tony Davis and Anthony Scirrotto, he will have to prove himself to scouts in March. Gaines is one of those unheralded Penn State players. He appeared in 50 games as a Nittany Lion and had 105 tackles (19 for loss), 5 sacks, 6 passes defensed, 1 forced fumble, and 2 fumble recoveries. Gaines was considered the stout run stopper where as the DE opposite him (Maurice Evans or Aaron Maybin) were more of the pass rush specialist. I truly see Gaines as a better prospect than NFL scouts do (that's what happens when you see the world through Penn State glasses). He isn't flashy but can be a stout DE and the point of attack (like Hartenstine). Gaines has the size and frame to add bulk and could be a situational 4-3 DE. He won't be drafted but some time will sign him as an UDFA. Count on it.

Penn State should have two former DEs drafted in April. Only one of them will play DE in the pros. Evans has the talent to excel and be a real surprise to a team that takes him in the middle rounds. Gaines won't hear his name called but can work his way on to an NFL roster with a great March Pro Day. This does not look like the year Penn State DEs will gain notoriety.