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Penn State's Vega Ioane could make NFL draft history
TL;DR
Vega Ioane from Penn State is projected to be the only first-round pick from the program in this NFL draft. If selected, he would join a prestigious group of Penn State guards, becoming only the fourth in history to achieve this.
Key points
- Vega Ioane is projected as a first-round pick in the NFL draft.
- He has not allowed a sack and has high blocking grades.
- Ioane could be drafted by the Ravens or Chargers.
- He would be the fourth Penn State guard selected in the first round.
Mentioned in this story
Penn StateMike MunchakSean Farrell
Baltimore RavensLos Angeles ChargersVega Ioane
For many NFL teams, being able to build through the trenches is essential to establishing a potentially Super Bowl caliber offense. The best way to do it? Through the NFL draft. Tonight, teams will make key decisions on the top college athletes and try and find the best prospects to fit their respective squads. One prospect in particular out of Penn State, Vega Ioane, is expected to be the program's only player selected in the first round. If so, he would be joining elite company amongst Penn State O-lineman.
Vega Ioane is one of the most physically imposing guards entering this year's NFL draft, with a fantastic pedigree that many agree will carry over to the NFL ranks. The 6-4, 320 is a mauler against the run and has the size and length to hold up well in the passing game. In fact, last year, Ioane did not allow a single sack and only gave up 4 pressures. He graded out at an 87 pass blocking and 78.6 run blocking grade on PFF to boot.
As a result, Ioane has been mocked in several drafts inside the first round, with many saying he could be a popular choice for either the Baltimore Ravens at 14 or the Los Angeles Chargers at 22. However, at the guard position, Ioane is a rare specimen, at least for Penn State. Should Ioane go in the first, he would be only the fourth Penn State guard to hold that prestigious honor. All of the three before him have had some of the best careers a O-lineman could possibly have.
Mike Munchak and Sean Farrell were the first two to get selected in the 1982 draft, at 8th and 17th respectively. Munchak ultimately became a Hall of Famer, was named to the NFL's 1980's All-Decade team, and made nine Pro Bowls. Farrell did not have as much success in the NFL ranks, but did make the All-Rookie Team his first year in the league.
Q&A
What makes Vega Ioane a top prospect in the NFL draft?
Vega Ioane is highly regarded for his impressive physical attributes and performance, including not allowing a single sack last season and achieving high pass and run blocking grades.
Which NFL teams are likely to draft Vega Ioane?
Vega Ioane is projected to be a first-round pick, with the Baltimore Ravens at 14 and the Los Angeles Chargers at 22 being potential teams interested in selecting him.
How many Penn State guards have been selected in the first round of the NFL draft?
If Vega Ioane is selected in the first round, he would be only the fourth Penn State guard to achieve this honor, joining Mike Munchak and Sean Farrell among others.
