Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1520787
3 2 J U N E / J U L Y 2 0 2 4 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M the size and strength to play run downs, which means Robinson doesn't need to do things he's not yet adept at. The team also added former NFL sack leader Shaq Barrett from Tampa Bay this offseason, meaning the group has two high-end pass rushers in Phillips and Barrett to draw at- tention from the opposing offense. Caedan Wallace Team: New England Patriots Round: Third Pick: 68th overall The Details: Following a strong senior season in which he started all 13 games at right tackle and allowed just 1 sack on 359 pass-blocking snaps, Wallace was expected to be chosen at some point. But prior to the draft, few would have pro- jected him as the third Nittany Lion off the board. The Patriots, though, liked what they saw. In Wallace, who started 40 games during his PSU career, they saw an expe- rienced college player with the athletic potential to switch over to left tackle. New England's director of scouting, Eliot Wolf, described him as a "really good pass pro- tector [who] really took a huge step for- ward this year." Franklin Says: "Caedan grew a great amount at his position during his time here and has a tremendous upside, having played in 47 career games at Penn State with 40 starts. He took advantage of every opportunity he was given, coming out of Penn State a better athlete and has ma- tured into an even better man." Trautwein Says: "Caedan decided to come back this season and really played his best football for us. He is very physical. He has great strength and power, which makes him a great NFL prospect. He is extremely coachable, and his teammates love being around him." Carr Analysis: If they're going to use him at tackle, the Patriots will need Wal- lace to hold up for a full three-second pass rush. They selected quarterback Drake Maye third overall, and they will want to take full advantage of his powerful arm. The difference between left and right tackles in the NFL is not the massive gulf it once was. Most teams will move pass rushers around the formation to find the best matchups. Also, most teams have more than one threat on the edge. So, can Wallace play left tackle in the NFL? He'll have to maintain the consistency he found last season at Penn State. If he does, he can be a quality starter. If not, he can kick inside to play left guard for the Patriots, who are desperate to find help at several positions on the offensive line. Wallace's projection as a blindside pro- tector in an aggressive downfield passing offense is just that — a projection. If he does play left tackle, the fit could be an uneasy one. However, Wallace should find success with the Patriots because of his positional versatility. Adisa Isaac Team: Baltimore Ravens Round: Third Pick: 93rd overall The Details: Penn State has excelled at producing draft-worthy edge rushers during the Franklin era. Isaac is the latest, joining a list that includes Carl Nassib, Shareef Miller, Yetur Gross-Matos, Odafe Oweh, Shaka Toney, Arnold Ebiketie and his fellow 2024 draftee Chop Robinson. Isaac will be joining Oweh in Balti- more's defensive end corps. The Ravens selected Oweh in the first round of the 2021 draft and now have another Penn Stater in the 6-4, 253-pound Isaac, who totaled 31.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks during his college career. Franklin Says: "Adisa is an excep- tional football player who will thrive with the Baltimore Ravens organization. He is a special young man and extremely deserv- ing of this opportunity. He has embodied toughness and resilience throughout his life, while also showcasing impressive athleticism." Barnes Says: "Adisa is an incredibly talented player, and the competitive edge he plays with is what makes him extra special. He is also bringing great leader- ship to the NFL. Throughout his career here, he made sure to always keep his teammates accountable. He is a great man and comes from a great family." Carr Analysis: There is no more in- teresting defensive scheme in college or pro football than Baltimore's, especially Offensive tackle Caedan Wallace had been regarded by many as a Day 3 pick, but the Patriots nabbed the 40-game starter in the third round with the 68th selection overall. PHOTO COURTESY NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS