Penn State Football: Which Former Player Will Have the Best Rookie Year in 2012?

Four Penn State players were selected in the 2012 NFL Draft, and nine more were signed after the draft.

The Nittany Lions did not have any marquee draft picks, but a few players will make a significant impact before their NFL careers are over. One of these players—Devon Still—will make an impact next season.

Adjusting to the NFL depends on the players' personality, skill set and his new NFL team. Certain players fall headfirst into dream situations while others will be buried behind a veteran-laden depth chart.

Penn State fans will enjoy watching at least a few of their players next year.

Let's take a look at Penn State's drafted players and decide who will have the best rookie season.

*While nine Nittany Lions were signed as undrafted free agents, none are expected to make a significant impact next season. Here is a list of players signed, and where they wound up.

Nathan Stupar, Oakland Raiders

Nathan Stupar was selected in the seventh round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. Stupar will join former Nittany Lion Jack Crawford in Oakland next season.

Stupar has the heart of a lion despite his smallish stature and suspect athleticism. Stupar is an excellent form tackler, and will play a role on special teams next year.

Stupar fits the special teams bill. Many players eventually find their way into defensive schemes following exemplary special teams' performances. Stupar could be that kind of guy.

He will have to wait his turn, but his tackling ability and smarts could get him more playing time than you may expect.

It will not happen this year, but Stupar will certainly be around for awhile.

Jack Crawford, Oakland Raiders

Jack Crawford was taken with the No. 158 pick by the Oakland Raiders in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Crawford will need to work hard to earn a roster spot.

Crawford had a solid senior year in Happy Valley. He had 40 tackles and 6.5 sacks. His raw athleticism allows him to make plays, but his raw technique hampers his NFL prospects.

Crawford's 6'5'' frame and lanky arms lend themselves to potential. Crawford has room to improve, but he must get stronger and learn how to break down opponents.

The Raiders usually draft projects. Crawford is a project with decent upside.

He will not make an impact this year, but he could in the future.

Johnnie Troutman, San Diego Chargers

Johnnie Troutman was taken in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers. Troutman will fight for a spot on the Charger roster next season in training camp.

Troutman is a solid run blocker but struggles in passing situations. He is not athletic enough to pull on a consistent basis, but he could develop with work.

Troutman will not make an impact next season, but he could down the road.

Expect Troutman to vie for a role on the Charger depth chart or play the season on San Diego's practice squad.

Devon Still, Cincinnati Bengals

Devon Still was taken with the No. 53 overall selection by the Bengals in the 2012 NFL Draft. He will fight for a starting spot or a key backup role immediately.

Still enters the NFL after a decorated final season for the Nittany Lions. He was the 2011 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.

Still terrorized opposing backfields to the tune of 17 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks. He was a true game-changer on the interior line.

Do not expect Still to take over at nose tackle anytime soon, but he is a good complement to a solid run stuffer. He can shed blocks and make his own plays, or open up the middle for the Bengal linebackers.

Who Will Have the Best Year?

Devon Still will provide great depth for the Bengals, and have a great rookie season. He will not start over Domata Peko or Geno Atkins, but he is talented enough to play No. 3 defensive tackle right away.

Still flashes dominance because of his ability to disrupt the run or the pass. He is athletic for his 300-pound frame, and he is explosive enough to attack the backfield.

Still's frame gives him the strength to overwhelm offensive lineman at the point of attack. He will get better as his balance improves and he improves his hands.

The other Nittany Lion draftees will make an impact on special teams, but Still will have a chance to compete from day one for a competitive franchise.