Scouts had three years’ worth of film to study on Penn State defensive tackle Zane Durant before the NFL Combine.
So they were familiar enough with the 6-foot-1, 290-pounder, who was a three-year starter for the Nittany Lions.
But it still must have come as a pleasant shock to watch a player of Durant’s size run a 4.75-second 40-yard dash.
On Saturday, Durant parlayed his successful collegiate career and strong Combine showing into the NFL Draft, where he was selected as the final pick of the fifth round (181st overall) by the Buffalo Bills.
“Just helping my organization, whatever organization I end up in, helping them as much as possible and also being a known as a more active guy off the field,” Durant told reporters at the Combine of his goals in the NFL. “Just being who I am, showcasing my talents and who I am as a man.”
Durant is the seventh Nittany Lion, following offensive linemen Vega Ioane (14th overall, Ravens) and Drew Shelton (112th, Cowboys), quarterback Drew Allar (76th, Steelers), defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton (120th, Packers), safety Zakee Wheatley (151st, Panthers) and tailback Nick Singleton (165th, Titans) to be drafted so far.
Last fall, Durant started 12 games, recording 25 tackles with 4.5 for loss and a career-high four sacks.
He appeared in 54 games for Penn State (40 starts), posting 89 tackles (22 for loss) with 10 sacks and a fumble recovery. He was a two-time All-Big Ten honorable mention selection (2024, 2025).
NFL Draft guru Todd McShay referenced Durant’s speed in his pre-draft profile: “Durant projects as a high-motor situational interior penetrator who can provide energy and disruption.”