There is a legit argument for Ohio State and the moniker of Wide Receiver U.
The Buckeyes have recently sent multiple high-level receivers to the NFL and many of them have been making large contributions to their respective teams.
Pro Football Focus has ranked the top 32 receivers ahead of the 2023 season, and it should come as no surprise that more than a few Buckeyes made their list.
With four on the list, it makes the Buckeyes have 12.5% of the best receivers in the game. Find out below who and where each former Ohio State star landed on PFF’s list with part of Sam Monson’s rationale for being included.
No. 8 - Terry McLaurin
HEINICKE AGAIN!
📺: #WASvsIND on FOX
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/8htY7Ysaz9 pic.twitter.com/xQf7cJTSow— NFL (@NFL) October 30, 2022
What PFF said
“Since coming into the league, McLaurin has racked up more than 4,200 yards and 460 targets in four seasons with an ugly list of quarterbacks throwing him the ball.”
What We Say
Who saw this coming from “scary Terry?” McLaurin was a decent receiver at Ohio State but has blown up in the NFL with his work ethic, route running, and ability to catch the ball in traffic.
No. 13 - Garrett Wilson
In 2022, @GarrettWilson_V broke the @nyjets record for receiving yards and receptions by a rookie.
What will 2023 bring for the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year? pic.twitter.com/LHMtd6ohIk
— NFL (@NFL) May 20, 2023
What PFF said
“As a rookie, he trailed only Deebo Samuel in broken tackles (22) and gained more than 1,100 receiving yards despite a disastrous quarterback situation featuring three backup-caliber passers trying to get him the football.”
What We Say
Wilson’s transition to the NFL has been pretty seamless and remarkable. You could see how talented he was at Ohio State, but his ability to be as dangerous as he is so quickly on the Jets as the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year is probably a bit ahead of the curve.
No. 27 - Michael Thomas
Some @CantGuardMike highlights for ya heading into #SaintsGameday!#Saints pic.twitter.com/Q2JavWlW7h
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) December 22, 2019
What PFF said
“Another unknown quantity when it comes to ranking going forward, Thomas was one of the very best receivers in the game before injuries completely derailed his career.”
What We Say
Thomas is another receiver that seemed to get better once he got into the NFL. He’s been hampered by injuries as of late but still has the hands and ability to be one of the best in the game if he can stay on the field.
No. 32 - Chris Olave
.@chrisolave_ had an impressive rookie season…
His top 10 plays are spicy 🌶 pic.twitter.com/DIjn2gaVTH
— NFL (@NFL) March 16, 2023
What PFF said
“Olave’s rookie season was exceptionally effective, with only opportunity holding him back from a truly impressive statistical output.”
What We Say
Olave was probably the most polished Ohio State receiver to come out in a long time and he didn’t disappoint during his rookie season. Look for him to continue to try and take the top off of defenses and get even more targets through the next few years.
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