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2011 NFL Draft: Penn State Nittany Lions Prepare For Draft Weekend

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Unlike Alabama or Ohio State, there aren't many Nittany Lions that expect to have their name called this weekend. However, that doesn't stop many analysts, commentators and fans from projecting where they might fall.

Penn State's official website has the rundown of all the seniors from the 2010 team. GoPSUSports also notes the recent success of the Nittany Lions on Draft Weekend.

Four Nittany Lions have been first round draft choices in the past five NFL Drafts: Jared Odrick (Miami, 2010), Aaron Maybin (Buffalo, 2009), Levi Brown (Arizona, 2007) and Tamba Hali (Kansas City, 2006). Thirteen additional Penn State players have been selected within the first four rounds since 2006; 24 overall.

The only former Penn State player that is guaranteed to hear his name this weekend is Stefen Wisniewski, who projects as a late first-round pick to mid-second round pick. Wisniewski is the nephew of legendary Raiders offensive lineman Steve Wisniewski, who is now a coach for the Raiders.

Ron Musselman of the Post-Gazette takes a closer look at Evan Royster, Penn State's all-time leading rusher, and comes up with the notion that Royster is a seventh-round pick. I don't disagree; Royster could sneak as high as the fifth round, and could also completely drop out of the draft.

Others waiting to figure out their future plans include wide receiver Brett Brackett and defensive lineman Ollie Ogbu.

Photographs by dizfunk used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.