Coming into the 2009 NFL Draft, not much was known about where the former Penn State football players would be drafted.  Aaron Maybin was pegged as a mid first-round pick, but after that, it was pretty much up in the air.  Well, 5 Nittany Lions were drafted today, more than Michigan, Notre Dame, and Miami combined.  Without further ado, the Penn State draftees of 2009:

Aaron Maybin was taken #11 overall by Buffalo.  The Bills run a base 4-3 defense, so obviously they trust Maybin’s ability to step right in at defensive end, rather than as rush linebacker in a 3-4 defense.

Derrick Williams was the second Lion off the board, going in the 3rd round to the 0-16 Detroit Lions.  It’s not a great situation for anyone to step into, but Williams will be getting a chance to step in immediately at kick returner and slot receiver.

Deon Butler’s stock jumped way up after running a blistering sub 4.4 40-yard dash at the combine.  It’s funny how the PSU wideouts went 9 picks apart, as the Seahawks traded up to snag Butler.  It’s too bad that Bobby Engram left as a free agent, because Butler would’ve got the chance to play with the best wideout Penn State ever had.

Rich Ohrnberger was drafted higher than just about anybody predicted.  In the 4th round, the Patriots took a chance on the notorious prankster, drafting Ohrnberger with the 123 overall pick.

A.Q. Shipley fell to the 7th round, but the Steelers, who, rumors had it, were targeting Shipley with some of the earlier picks, traded up for the chance to take Shipley.  Mike Mayock of the NFL Network kept touting A.Q.’s ability, and I have to agree with him.  If any 7th rounder is going to be an NFL starter, it’s going to be Shipley.

A handful of Lions weren’t as fortunate to be drafted, but will surely have the chance to sign with NFL teams and prove their worth.

Jordan Norwood is the first Lion to take that route in 2009, and the information that he has signed with the Cleveland Browns comes directly from his facebook profile:

It’s a shame that Jordan wasn’t drafted, but I’m sure he’ll be turning heads from day 1 of minicamp.  He’s a great kid, and a real good wide receiver to boot.  Incredible hands, great route running ability, he’ll make 31 teams regret not drafting or signing him.

Mark Rubin has been signed by the Saint Louis Rams.  The safety will certainly get a chance to make the roster, as St. Louis ranked near the bottom of the league in pass yards against per game.  Glad that he would get picked up, especially considering his extremely sub-par Rose Bowl performance.

Lydell Sargeant will join fellow Penn Stater Aaron Maybin and, of course, Paul Poslusznyon the Bills, giving them a Nittany Lion on every layer of the defense.  The cornerback worked ot at wide receiver at the combine, and could try a shift to the offensive side of the ball in the NFL to make a roster.

Maurice Evans heads to the Giants.  Now, the Giants have a full complement of defensive ends, with Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora, and Matthias Kiawanuka, but if Evans can show flashes of his 2007 season that could’ve made him a first rounder, he could find himself in New York’s rotation.

Gerald Cadogan slipped way down from the 2nd or 3rd round where many prognosticators had him pegged, but found himself a home in Carolina.  He’ll be a backup for the forseeable future, behind Jeff Otah and Jordan Gross at tackle, but on the bright side, he’ll be on the same team as Dan Connor once again.

Josh Gaines has been signed by the Philadelphia Eagles.  Even at Penn State, Gaines wasn’t a very flashy player, but a solid leader, captain, and rock on that defensive line throughout his four years.  Here’s to hoping he makes an impression on Andy Reid, and works out better than Tony Hunt.

Dan Lawlor didn’t get much love at Penn State, but as a true smashmouth fullback, might better transition to the NFL game than other players.  The Washington Redskins picked up Lawlor, who might well make the team.  The Skins use Chris Cooley and Mike Sellers more as H-backs than as true fullbacks.  Lawlor could probably help open running lanes for Clinton Portis better than either of those two.

Anthony Scirrotto will join Gerald Cadogan on the Panthers.  Scirrotto, who was a 2-time All-Big Ten selection, and 2008 team captain, might earn a spot on the team if he can play well in training camp, as Carolina’s safety situation is pretty up in the air.

Tyrell Sales has been signed by the Indianapolis Colts.  Sales never really lived up to “Linebacker U” specifications while at Penn State, but certainly held his own with a very talented unit.  It’s good to see that Sales’ recent DUI arrest didn’t hurt his NFL hopes.

Tony Davis was picked up by the Arizona Cardinals, KFFL reports.  Davis was one of the quietest players on Penn State, in that you could go an entire game without hearing his name called.  For a cornerback, that’s a good thing.  Davis was probably picked up for his versatility, as he played both safety and corner during his time with the Lions.

We’re through a couple days of teams picking up undrafted free agents and so far, Kevin Kelly is the only odd man out.  Here’s to hoping he gets a shot somewhere.