Two More Lions Go in Day 3

Penn State had two more players get drafted on day 3 of the 2016 NFL draft. Two more Lions also signed free agent contracts after not being drafted.

Anthony Zettel

http://gty.im/514430720

The former defensive end turned DT, was selected by the Detroit Lions with the 27 pick of the 6th round. Zettel, a redshirt senior, played in parts of 4 seasons with the Nittany Lions, in that time he accumulated 119 tackles, 38 for loss, 20 sacks, 4 interceptions, and 14 passes defended. The 6’4 274 pound lineman moved from DE to DT this past season to make room for Carl Nassib, its unclear what position he will play in the pros. Zettel is the 15th Penn State defensive lineman taken in the draft since 2000.

Jordan Lucas

http://gty.im/506083510

Just one pick separated Zettel and Lucas, as the Miami Dolphins picked the safety with the 29th pick of the 6th round. Lucas moved from cornerback to safety this past season. He accumulated 181 tackles, 11 for loss, 4 sacks, 3 picks, and 25 passes defended in a stretch of 4 years. Lucas missed the final 4 games of the season due to injury, but that didn’t stop the Lions from taking a chance on the 6’0 198 pounder.

Penn State also had two former players sign undrafted contracts with teams after the draft ended.

Kyle Carter

http://gty.im/154351577

The tight end agreed to a deal with the Minnesota Vikings after the draft.  Carter saw limited playing time in 4 seasons with the Lions. He caught 84 passes for 963 yards and 4 touchdowns in only 84 career plays over 4 seasons. Carter is more of a blocking tight end than a pass catcher, he will most likely fight for a spot on the practice squad.

Trevor Williams

http://gty.im/453777389

The cornerback agreed to a contract with the San Diego Chargers following the draft. The 6’0 200 pound cornerback was initially recruited at receiver, but lack of depth due to the sanctions forced him to move to defense. Williams had 84 tackles, 4.5 for loss, 5 interceptions, and 16 passes defended in his career. Williams’s speed should help in the league, it wouldn’t be a big surprise to see him eventually make the team as a back up.

Coach Franklin should be very pleased seeing seven of his former players get an opportunity in the league. These players will have a lot to prove, especially Hackenberg, it will be fun to watch.