How Are Penn State Rookies Performing in the NFL?

The NFL careers of Penn State’s latest rookie class are officially underway, and the early returns span the full spectrum of professional football.

From high draft picks stepping into significant roles to undrafted free agents battling for a foothold on practice squads, the transition from Happy Valley to the pros has presented a unique set of challenges for former Nittany Lions.

Here’s a look at where things stand for the program’s newest wave of players across the league.

Olaivavega Ioane, Guard, Baltimore Ravens: Ioane earned a starting role after being drafted No. 14 overall in the spring. He started at right guard but was moved to center after injury. He’s played well at both spots and has allowed one sack this season.

Drew Allar, Quarterback, Pittsburgh Steelers: Allar hasn’t seen any action so far, sitting behind starter Aaron Rodgers this season. In the preseason, he completed 30 of 54 passes for 351 yards and two touchdowns.

Drew Shelton, Offensive Tackle, Dallas Cowboys: After being selected in the fourth round, Shelton has seen a few offensive snaps in jumbo packages and time on special teams with the kicking unit.

Dani Dennis-Sutton, Defensive End, Green Bay Packers: Dennis-Sutton hasn’t started but has seen plenty of time for Green Bay, totaling 13 tackles, 1.5 sacks and a fumble recovery. He became the first Packers rookie with a sack, two tackles for loss and a fumble recovery in the same game since stats were recorded in 1999.

Zakee Wheatley, Safety, Carolina Panthers: After being selected in the fifth round, Wheatley had an impressive preseason and landed a starting role in the Panthers’ secondary. He has 14 tackles, two pass breakups and a forced fumble this season.

Nicholas Singleton, Running Back, Tennessee Titans: Singleton has appeared in three games this season, taking seven carries for 12 yards with a long of six.

Zane Durant, Defensive Tackle, Buffalo Bills: Durant was drafted in the fifth round and flashed during the preseason, but he’s spent the beginning of the year on the injured reserve.

Kaytron Allen, Running Back, Miami Dolphins: Allen was drafted by the Washington Commanders in the sixth round, but was cut just four games into the season after totaling 12 carries for 41 yards. He was quickly signed by the Miami Dolphins, where he hasn’t seen the field yet.

Nolan Rucci, Offensive Tackle, Indianapolis Colts: Rucci was signed as an undrafted free agent and released before being signed to the Colts practice squad.

Trebor Peña, Wide Receiver, Jacksonville Jaguars: After going undrafted, Peña impressed enough during the preseason to land a spot on Jacksonville’s practice squad.

Khalil Dinkins, Tight End, San Francisco 49ers: Dinkins is a member of the 49ers practice squad, continuing a streak of former Nittany Lion tight ends signed by professional teams.

Nick Dawkins, Center, New York Jets: After spending the preseason with the Baltimore Ravens, Dawkins was released and signed to the Jets’ practice squad.

Devonte Ross: After spending the preseason with the Los Angeles Chargers, Ross was cut and is currently a free agent.

Liam Clifford: After spending time with both the Indianapolis Colts and Los Angeles Chargers during the preseason, Clifford is currently a free agent.

Kyron Hudson: Hudson signed with the Chicago Bears in the preseason but sustained an injury and was released. He’s currently a free agent.

Dom DeLuca: DeLuca spent the preseason with the Baltimore Ravens and was also briefly on the practice squad before being cut.

Gabe Nwosu: Nwosu attended the Pittsburgh Steelers’ rookie minicamp for a tryout but was not signed and is currently a free agent.

Tyler Duzansky: After a standout career at Penn State, Duzansky was signed by the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent but was later released. He recently had workouts with the Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals.