We’re only a few days away from some real, live sports folks. It’s not a competition of the field, but this year’s version of the NFL draft that’s been must-see television for years now.
We’ll continue to see mock draft after mock draft speculating and projecting where players will go in 2020, and you know we’ll be on top of it. But ESPN’s Jeff Legwold isn’t doing things a little differently and just ranking prospects by the best available regardless of position or need.
In his top ranking of the top 100 prospects, Legwold has Ohio State well represented. Just for context, anyone in the top 100 would basically grade out through the first three rounds of the draft plus four picks. And in this case, the Buckeyes have five total players ranked by Legwold.
Here is what he says about each, including their overall ranking. Unlike most, he doesn’t have Chase Young as the best overall player, but at No. 2 behind Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons.
First up … Defensive end Chase Young
No. 2 – Chase Young
What Longwold Says:
“Simmons, Young and Derrick Brown were mentioned most often by league personnel as the top players in this draft. Young leads the way with a sought-after combination of high-end production and enormous upside once he refines his handwork and counters. Young missed two games to a suspension in 2019, but took home the majority of defensive awards. He had 16.5 sacks, six forced fumbles and 21 tackles for loss, with 45.7% of his tackles coming behind the line of scrimmage.”
Next … Cornerback Jeff Okuda
No. 4 – Jeff Okudah
What Longwold Says:
“Some defensive backs coaches believe Florida’s CJ Henderson is more of a ready-right-now prospect, but Okudah’s potential is enormous. A driven, intelligent player with rare skills, he will get better quickly when he learns more about NFL receivers. Okudah had shoulder surgery early in his career at Ohio State, but is a walk-in starter with rare closing speed.”
Next … Running Back J.K. Dobbins
No. 42 – J.K. Dobbins
What Longwold Says:
“Dobbins is one of four players who rushed for at least 2,000 yards in this year’s draft. He’ll be an early contributor because of his vision and ability to break tackles and make defenders miss. Dobbins needs polish as a receiver, but his work in 2019 showed toughness and durability.”
Next … Linebacker Malik Harrison
No. 49 – Malik Harrison
What Longwold Says:
“Harrison is a former high school quarterback who asked Ohio State coaches if he could start his career as a wide receiver. Harrison attacks the line of scrimmage and finds the ball. He should show some good pass-rushing skills as he develops. He had 25 tackles for loss during his final two seasons.”
Next … Cornerback Damon Arnette
No. 62 – Damon Arnette
What Longwold Says:
“After a penalty-plagued junior season in 2018, Arnette made the most of his senior year. He has a big sample size with 53 games, including 38 starts, on teams loaded with defensive talent. Arnette could play early for a heavy zone team.”
