Penn State Football: Nittany Lions' Top 2012 NFL Draft Prospects

Let's be honest, the Nittany Lions aren't at the top of a lot NFL teams radars come draft time. Penn State hasn't produced an insane amount of top tier NFL players like other schools, such as USC or University of Miami. 

While there isn't a lot of high-end potential coming out of Penn State University this NFL draft, that doesn't mean there aren't a few diamonds in the rough. There are a few Penn State players that have the potential to at least make NFL practice squads, and a few that have the potential to actually make an impact on NFL rosters.  

Find out which Penn State players I think have the ability to make a name for themselves in the NFL by getting drafted in the 2012 NFL Draft.  

Undrafted Free Agents

Here are Nittany Lions that have the potential to receive a free agent contract that will at least give them a chance to prove their worth at their respective team's 2012 training camps. 

No. 52 T Chima Okoli: 6'4'', 293 pounds: Pittsburgh Steelers 

No. 9 RB/FB Michael Zordich: 6'1'', 241 pounds: Washington Redskins 

No. 8 CB D'Anton Lynn: 6'1'', 208 pounds: Green Bay Packers

No. 81 DE Jack Crawford: 6'5'', 273 pounds: New England Patriots

No. 2 CB Chaz Powell: 6'1'', 210 pounds: Tennessee Titans

No. 21 RB Stephfon Green: 5'10'', 193 pounds: Philadelphia Eagles

No. 74 G Johnnie Troutman: 6'4'', 314 pounds: Oakland Raiders

No. 67 T Quinn Barham: 6'3'', 304 pounds: Chicago Bears   

No. 71 DT Devon Still: Baltimore Ravens 2nd Round Pick

A first team SI.com and espn.com midseason All-American, Devon Still plays with a ferocious combination of strength and athleticism. A co-captain on the nation’s eighth ranked defense, he has recorded 14.0 tackles for loss, totaling minus-55 yards, which ranks second in the Big Ten. In addition to anchoring the run defense, Still also has recorded 4.0 sacks so far this year.  

The Ravens defense, while formidable, is not getting any younger, and drafting Still provides the Ravens with the chance to build for the future with the established veteran leadership that they currently have. Adding Devon Still to the defensive line's depth chart would help solidify the Ravens defense for the future.   

No. 6 WR Derek Moye: Chicago Bears 6th or 7th Round Pick

At 6'5'' with a sub-4.5 40 time, Moye is a rare combination of size and speed. A preseason 2011 First Team All-Big Ten selection, Moye has amassed 592 receiving yards on only 34 receptions for an average of 17.4 yards per catch and three touchdowns so far this season.  Moye has unbelievable upside that can be developed if picked up by the right team.  

For the last five years, the Chicago Bears have not had a legitimately sized downfield threat.  Imagine the possibilities for speedster Devon Hester as a Bears slot receiver, if the Bears offense had an established downfield threat. Derek Moye looks like he could be the man for the job.

No. 56 DE Eric Latimore: Arizona Cardinals 7th Round Draft Pick

Eric Latimore is not a household name by any stretch of the imagination, but in August 2012, he will be on an NFL roster; I guarantee it.  

In just 10 games, Latimore has compiled 2.0 sacks and 11 total tackles. While those statistics are far from overwhelming, they reflect the production of a former undrafted Penn State DE, Cameron Wake, a 2011 AFC Pro Bowl Selection. At 6'6" and 277 lbs., Latimore is a larger and more athletic version of Wake. 

The Arizona Cardinals currently rank 21st in overall defense and desperately need an athletic DE to energize their defense. Risking a late seventh-round pick, or even a free agent contract, on someone with the potential of Eric Latimore is a no-brainer. If the Cardinals can tap into Latimore's undeveloped potential, he will prove well worth their seventh-round draft pick.  

No. 34 ILB Nathan Stupar: Buffalo Bills 7th Round Pick

How do you respond when a preseason 2011 First Team All-Big Ten linebacker is sidelined with a torn ACL? If you are Penn State, a.k.a "Linebacker U," you simply replace this linebacker with another veteran linebacker. 

Nathan Stupar has replaced the injured Michael Mauti with ease, making it almost seem like Mauti is still on the field, just with a different number on his jersey. In seven games as a starter, Stupar has compiled two interceptions, 1.0 sacks, 42 total tackles (17 solo) and 8.5 tackles for loss. While those numbers aren't amazing, they don't display Stupar's ability to play intelligent within defensive schemes.  

Stupar could easily fill a gaping hole in the Bills defense that exists within the interior line-backing core. After losing former Penn State LB Paul Posluszny to free agency, the Bills have a chance here to find his future replacement. The Bills would be foolish to not use their seventh-round draft pick on the next potential "Linebacker U" star.