Penn State Football had six players chosen during the 2023 NFL Draft, but they aren’t the only Nittany Lions who will be on rosters across the league this spring.

While the path to a roster spot is a lot steeper for undrafted free agents, Penn State Football had four more players sign with teams following the draft; Defensive lineman P.J. Mustipher, long-snapper Chris Stoll, special teams ace Jonathan Sutherland, and wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley. Each will have their chance to audition for a job at the next level.

But, who has the best chance to make the team? Who has the best chance to make an immediate impact? The answers to those two questions could rely on circumstances and the opportunity their new teams present.

Ranking Penn State Football players signed as undrafted free agents’ chances of making an impact

4. Mitchell Tinsley, WR, Washington Commanders

The fact that Tinsley went undrafted is a bit surprising. Especially after the 6-foot-1 and 205-pound receiver hauled in 51 passes for 577 yards with five touchdowns during his lone season in Happy Valley, after transferring to Penn State from Western Kentucky.

But, climbing the depth chart in the Nation’s Capital could take some effort for Tinsley, who arrives behind Pro Bowler Terry McLaurin, former Penn State Football star Jahan Dotson, Curtis Samuel, and could open camp as low as seventh on Washington’s receiver depth chart.

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3. P.J. Mustipher, DL, Denver Broncos

Mustipher is a monster of a space-eater against the run, who also has the ability to provide some interior pass-rush up, as well.

During his time in Happy Valley, Mustipher proved his value both on the field, by producing 144 total tackles with 10.5 sacks across 49 games, as much as how profound the Lions’ defensive line was impacted by his absence when sidelined by injury. In Denver, Mustipher will likely be the low man on the defensive tackle totem pole, but a strong training camp could propel him past Eyioma Uwazurike, and veteran Mike Purcell for meaningful reps as part of the Broncos’ rotation alongside veteran D.J. Jones.

2. Jonathan Sutherland, S, Seattle Seahawks

Sutherland was one of the consummate leaders of the Nittany Lions during his collegiate career, and a consistent special teams standout. Both qualities likely led the Seahawks to swoop in and sign him after the draft.

While snaps at safety may be hard to come by, especially at a loaded position that includes Jamal Adams, Julian Love, and Quandre Diggs, Sutherland’s best chance to make the team — by contributing on special teams, could be his surest way to seeing the field.

1. Chris Stoll, LS, Seattle Seahawks

Chris Stoll took home the Patrick Mannelly award as the nation’s top long-snapper last season, and may have landed in an ideal opportunity to not only have a lengthy NFL career but a productive one right out of the chute.

As minicamps open across the league, Stoll is the only long-snapper currently on the Seahawks’ roster. If Stoll impresses this spring and summer, there’s no reason to think he won’t be the starter this season. With a strong rookie season, he could become a Seattle mainstay alongside the Space Needle and Pike’s Place.

 

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