Former Penn State DT tabbed as 'sleeper' in upcoming NFL draft

TL;DR

Penn State defensive tackle Zane Durant is highlighted as a 'sleeper' pick in the upcoming NFL draft by ESPN. Despite a down year, his unique traits and impressive combine performance have caught the attention of NFL scouts.

Key points

Zane Durant is a defensive tackle from Penn State.
ESPN labels him as a sleeper pick for the NFL draft.
Durant had a standout combine performance.
He showcased elite speed and athleticism despite his size.
Teams may question his fit in their defensive schemes.

Penn StateZane Durant

For Penn State, having success on the field is one thing. Seeing their stars getting drafted into the NFL ranks is quite another. Despite the fact that for several key players from last year's squad, their careers ended in disappointment, they are still expected to be regarded highly by NFL scouts and teams alike. For one player in particular though, ESPN has given him high praise, tabbing him as one of the key "sleepers" in this week's draft.

According to Adam Rittenberg of ESPN, Penn State defensive tackle Zane Durant will be turning heads throughout the week as a polarizing candidate with unique traits. While Durant certainly had a down year compared to his 2024 season, he still was one of Penn State's most impactful defensive stars down the stretch, doing on the interior what Dani Dennis-Sutton did off the edge.

"He's not physically imposing for an interior defensive lineman but can click in a defensive front that moves around its players, rather than play two-gap", Rittenberg said of Durant's versatility.

For some, Durant's combine performance was the key catalyst to him being on several teams' radars. Running the fastest 40 for all defensive tackles showcased his elite speed despite his size and having the 4th-ranked vertical showcased his elite athleticism and length as well. However, chances are certain teams will have to be convinced that Durant is the right prospect for them and fits into their defensive plans.

For now, it's safe to assume that Durant's draft status is still up in the air, as there may not be a team willing to take a risk on him. Still, the fact that there is more discussion around him could help bolster his case to be a late-round pick-up.

This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire:

Q&A

What makes Zane Durant a sleeper pick in the NFL draft?

Zane Durant is considered a sleeper pick due to his unique traits, impressive combine performance, and versatility as a defensive tackle.

How did Zane Durant perform at the NFL combine?

Durant ran the fastest 40-yard dash among defensive tackles and had the 4th-ranked vertical jump, showcasing his elite speed and athleticism.

What challenges does Zane Durant face in the NFL draft?

Durant may need to convince teams that he fits into their defensive plans, especially given his less imposing physical stature for an interior lineman.