Penn State offensive tackle Ryan Bates, a redshirt junior, became the Nittany Lions’ third underclassman to declare early for the NFL draft on Wednesday in the most surprising move yet.
Earlier in the day, offensive guard Connor McGovern decided to forgo his final collegiate season — but he was ranked by ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. as the top guard in the 2019 class. Defensive end Shareef Miller also declared, but his decision was well-known by many in the previous months.
Bates was always a possibility, but it seemed as if staying was his best option.