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that already included Pro Bowler Brent Grimes. Lucas, a fifth-round pick, is likely to play cornerback in the NFL, and he'll have plenty of talented players to learn from as he readjusts to the position after starting at safety as a senior with the Nittany Lions. TREVOR WILLIAMS With six corner- backs under contract, San Diego didn't draft any defensive backs this year. But the Chargers did sign three CBs to rookie free agent contracts, including Williams, a three-year starter with the Nittany Li- ons. TAROW BARNEY The Jets didn't take any defensive linemen in the draft, but they signed Barney and one other tackle as rookie free agents. With only three defensive tackles listed on their off-sea- son roster, Barney appears to have ample opportunity to make the team. KYLE CARTER The tight end received a free agent deal from Minnesota, but the Vikings drafted Stanford's David Morgan in the sixth round, so Carter will have competition in order to make a squad that already has four tight ends on its roster. RYAN KEISER After posting the longest broad jump (11 feet, 1 inch) at Penn State's Pro Day in March, Keiser got his first NFL opportunity when the Baltimore Ravens invited him to their rookie minicamp in May. In 2014 he suf- fered a severe rib/bowel injury that cut short his senior season, but he never gave up on his professional football dream. BRANDON JOHNSON A former Penn State walk-on running back, Johnson was invited to Pittsburgh's rookie mini- camp in May. With six running backs on the Steelers' roster, Johnson is a long shot obviously, but he'll give it his best effort this summer. ■ Analyzing the Lions' next draft class The 2017 NFL Draft is still more than 10 months away, but it's not too early to look at the Nittany Lions' upcoming class. BWI's list of pro football hopefuls includes both seniors-to-be and juniors who could potentially put themselves in position to leave early if they excel in 2016. BRANDON BELL With a healthy senior season, the experienced outside line- backer should be one who hears his named called next spring. DEREK DOWREY One of the veteran members of Penn State's interior offen- sive line, Dowrey has the requisite size and strength to play on Sundays, but he will need to prove to NFL scouts this fall that he also has the technique. BRIAN GAIA After switching from guard to center this spring, Gaia is on the outside looking in. But if he finds success at his new position, he could be- gin appearing on NFL radar screens. MALIK GOLDEN Before the senior strong safety can start to think about vying for a spot on an NFL roster, he'll have to secure a starting position on a young PSU defense. PARIS PALMER A former juco trans- fer, Palmer is getting ready for his sec- ond season as a starter on Penn State's offensive line. His first season at left tackle did not establish him as an NFL- worthy prospect, but he's developing the necessary physical attributes, and a re- demptive senior season could propel him up draft boards. EVAN SCHWAN Like Golden, Schwan is in a battle to secure a starting spot in 2016. A senior defensive end, he's played only a supporting role thus far, but as Carl Nassib proved this past season, it only takes one strong year to put your- self in a good position. NYEEM WARTMAN-WHITE If the vet- eran linebacker is able to return to full speed after a knee injury erased his jun- ior season, he appears to have the other necessary skills to play on Sundays. MARCUS ALLEN Allen has shown the production NFL teams look for, as he led the secondary in tackles and fumbles caused in 2015. But the junior free safety has also made some youthful mistakes. Those will need to be corrected if he is to put himself in position for an early exit. SAEED BLACKNALL The junior re- ceiver was limited in his first two sea- sons at PSU, but he appears poised for a breakout year in 2016. If that occurs, there's no telling where he might be a year from now. JASON CABINDA The team leader in tackles as a sophomore, Cabinda showed leadership and versatility during his first two years at Linebacker U – assets that NFL general managers covet. But whether he would be considered a draft- worthy prospect after only three seasons at PSU, or if he would even want to leave, are separate question. CHRIS GODWIN After a sophomore season in which he totaled 1,100 yards, Godwin is already on early draft boards for next year. With another strong sea- son, there will be plenty of speculation about whether the junior wideout will forgo his senior year. DaeSEAN HAMILTON Although Hamilton's receiving numbers dipped as a sophomore – after he led the team the year before – he's shown scouts what he's capable of doing. Changing to slot WR in 2016, Hamilton could prove to be an even more appealing pick to NFL scouts, thus making it less likely that he returns for a fifth year. GRANT HALEY A two-year starter at cornerback, Haley is one of the most athletic players on PSU's roster. If he follows up his first two seasons with an even stronger junior year, he will un- doubtedly be a candidate to enter the draft early. ANDREW NELSON Nelson has long been considered the best offensive line- man on the Nittany Lions' roster, but in- juries have prevented him from achiev- ing his full potential. He appeared healthy this spring, and an improved junior season could make him an ap- pealing option for NFL teams next spring. GARRETT SICKELS At this point, it seems unlikely that the junior defensive end will forgo his final year of eligibility. But if he's able to improve upon his rush defense while adding a few more sacks, Sickels could turn heads during his sec- ond season as a starter. – T.O.

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