Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer, April 21, 2017

Penn State is known as ?Linebacker U,? but defensive linemen have been the players drafted the most the last 10 years with 10. Linebackers are right behind, however, with nine selections since 2007.

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Skill positions on offensive haven?t been plentiful, as just three receivers, two running backs and one quarterback have been picked in the last 10 drafts. And this year?s draft-held April 27-29 in Philadelphia-doesn?t figure to augment that total.

The first Nittany Lion to hear his name called in the draft figures to be wideout Chris Godwin, who turned pro a year early. He is projected by most to be a second-round selection. Defensive end Garrett Sickels, also an early entry, and linebacker Brandon Bell could be late-round picks. The other Nittany Lions may be undrafted free agents: DE Evan Schwan, C Brian Gaia, SS Malik Golden and LB Nyeem Wartman-White.

Here is a look at how Penn State has fared in the last 10 NFL drafts.

PENN STATE DRAFT 2007-16
Highest pick: No. 5 overall, OT Levi Brown, 2007/Cardinals
Most fertile draft: 2010, six selections
Total first-round picks: 3
Total picks: 38

Position breakdown:
? Defensive line: 10
? Linebacker: 9
? Offensive line: 7
? Defensive back: 3
? Receiver: 3
? Tight end: 3
? Running back: 2
? Quarterback: 1

2007
First round: OT Levi Brown, Cardinals
Second round: LB Paul Posluszny, Bills
Third round: NT Jay Alford, Giants
Third round: RB Tony Hunt, Eagles
Fifth round: LB Tim Shaw, Panthers

2008
Third round: LB Dan Connor, Panthers
Fourth round: CB Justin King, Rams

2009
First round: DE Aaron Maybin, Bills
Third round: WR Derrick Williams, Lions
Third round: WR Deon Butler, Seahawks
Fourth round: G Rich Ohrnberger, Patriots
Seventh round: C A.Q. Shipley, Steelers

2010
First round: DE Jared Odrick, Dolphins
Second round: LB Sean Lee, Cowboys
Third round: LB NaVorro Bowman, 49ers
Fifth round: TE Andrew Quarless, Packers
Seventh round: TE Mickey Shuler, Vikings
Seventh round: LB Josh Hull, Rams

2011
Second round: G Stefen Wisniewski, Raiders
Sixth round: RB Evan Royster, Redskins

 

2012
Second round: DT Devon Still, Bengals
Fifth round: G Johnnie Troutman, Chargers
Fifth round: DE Jack Crawford, Raiders
Seventh round: LB Nathan Stupar, Raiders

2013
Third round: DT Jordan Hill, Seahawks
Fourth round: LB Gerald Hodges, Vikings
Seventh round: LB Michael Mauti, Vikings

2014
Second round: WR Allen Robinson, Jaguars
Fourth round: DT DaQuan Jones, Titans
Fifth round: G John Urschel, Ravens

 

2015
Second round: OT Donovan Smith, Buccaneers
Fifth round: S Adrian Amos, Bears
Fifth round: TE Jesse James, Steelers

2016
Second round: NT Austin Johnson, Titans
Second round: QB Christian Hackenberg, Jets
Third round: DE Carl Nassib, Browns
Sixth round: DT Anthony Zettel, Lions
Sixth round: S Jordan Lucas, Dolphins