Prior to the start of today’s NFL Draft, all eyes were on Christian Hackenberg. Pundits around the league expected someone to call his name early in the second round, but the Tennessee Titans made a splash by making defensive tackle Austin Johnson the first Nittany Lion to come off the board.

Joining DaQan Jones along a relatively stacked defensive line, Johnson figures to play a rotational role behind Jones and standout Jurell Casey in Tennessee. Going off the board at No. 43 overall, Johnson becomes the highest drafted Nittany Lion since the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected offensive tackle Donovan Smith atop the second round at No. 34 overall.

Jones even called the pick earlier Friday afternoon on Twitter, one-upping everybody who’s ever filled out a mock draft.

@AJohn15 you ready to be a titan??? Hahaha #fingerscrossed

— DaQuan Jones (@RiDQulous_98) April 29, 2016

The future looks bright for the talented run-stuffer as the culture begins to shift in Tennessee. Congratulations, Austin!

About the Author

David Abruzzese

David is a senior from Rochester, NY, nestled right in beautiful Western New York. He is majoring in Broadcast Journalism, and as an avid sports fan, he passionately supports the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres. He is the first Penn Stater from his family, and couldn’t be prouder to represent Penn State University. In his free time, he likes to alpine ski, and play golf. You can follow him on Twitter @abruz11, and can contact him via email at davidabruzzese@onwardstate.com.

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