Penn State Football: 5 Nittany Lions Primed for the 2013 NFL Draft

The 2012 NFL draft is over. For draftniks, that means it is time to look forward to the 2013 NFL draft. Experts' big boards for next year will come out in the upcoming weeks, and Penn State will have a few faces in the mix. 

The Nittany Lions are known for producing NFL-caliber talent, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Their 2013 prospects will be no different, but the Nittany Lion offense will be represented as well. 

Penn State was represented nicely in this year's draft and through undrafted free agent signings. Next year will be even better.

Here are five Nittany Lions primed for success in the 2013 NFL draft.

Justin Brown, WR

Brown stands 6'3'' and 200-plus pounds. His size is evident on the field, but so are his inconsistencies.

Wide receivers must catch the ball on a consistent basis. The inability to do so can hurt prospects in a big way entering the NFL draft. Brown has had wonderful circus catches in his career, but he has also dropped some head-scratchers.

Brown will be Penn State's top receiving option this season. He will have plenty of opportunities to prove himself. He must seize this moment to improve his NFL draft stock. 

If he finds more consistency, Brown could make an NFL team very happy someday. He has the size, strength, speed and athleticism needed to be a playmaker at the next level.

Brown must work on his hands and his ability to separate on the outside in order to improve his draft stock. If he does, someone will be smart enough to take a chance on this gifted athlete. 

Gerald Hodges, LB

Gerald Hodges emerged in a big way last season. He led the Nittany Lions in tackles and was a consistent force on Penn State's defense.

Hodges has the speed and size needed to play in the NFL. He is a solid tackler in the open field and sheds blocks to disrupt plays in the backfield.

Hodges would fit better in a 4-3 scheme. He can rush the passer, but his strengths lie in coverage. Covering players and playing in space allows Hodges to use his speed to track down the ball. This will translate to the NFL.

Hodges could be a steal for someone in the 2013 NFL draft. He could move up draft boards quickly if he turns in a satisfying senior season. 

Silas Redd, RB

Silas Redd must add strength before he is an NFL-ready running back, but he possesses enough tools to make him an intriguing prospect at this point.

Redd entered Happy Valley in 2010 surrounded by reasonable hype. The 4-star recruit from Connecticut did not disappoint.

Redd's breakaway ability caught fans' attention immediately, even as a backup to Evan Royster.

Last season showed Redd's ability to improve. He turned in a 1,000-plus-yard season and carried the Nittany Lion offense for the majority of the season.

Redd broke more tackles in the open field without sacrificing any of his electrifying quickness. He is never going to be a legitimate north-south runner, but his elusiveness is NFL caliber. 

If Redd continues to improve, he will be a legitimate NFL draft prospect.

Jordan Hill, DT

Jordan Hill oozes potential. He disappeared at times in 2011, but he could explode in 2012 like Devon Still did last season.

Hill has a short, squat build. His 295-pound frame may not be worthy of nose-tackle status, but it could be very effective as a run-stuffing 4-3 defensive tackle at the next level. 

He has a quick burst off the line and fights through blockers using his strength. His ability to disrupt plays in the backfield will be a hot commodity among next year's NFL prospects. 

If he can match his mental ability with his physical gifts, he could turn heads across the country this season.

Khairi Fortt, LB

Khairi Fortt will not start for Penn State in 2013, but he may be their best NFL prospect. 

Fortt's a ferocious talent with superb athleticism. He is a sideline-to-sideline presence because of his elite ball-hawking ability.

Penn State's depth at linebacker keeps Fortt on the sidelines for the most part. That doesn't speak to his talent level. He will be better than Michael Mauti or Glenn Carson at the next level, and they will both be starters next season.

Fortt reminds me of Navarro Bowman. Both have excellent instincts but get by with their elite physical tools. 

The NFL loves fast, athletic linebackers. Fortt fits the bill through and through.