In Todd McShay’s latest mock draft he has four Buckeyes going in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Just how good of a fit and how close McShay is can and should be discussed. You can probably guess a couple of the players, but there is a surprise or two in there.
Assuming the Big Ten doesn’t change course and play in the fall, and no one gets hurt playing in the spring or the stock drops because of being out of sight out of mind, these four are all players who could be picked in the first round of the draft. For discussion’s sake, we will assume the players come out regardless of what happens with the NCAA and any change of heart that could occur from not being able to play one last time in the Scarlet and Gray.
Here’s where we are with the four players McShay has going in the first round.
Next … The QB we all know and love
No. 4 overall pick QB Justin Fields – Carolina Panthers
What McShay says
Yes, Teddy Bridgewater looked pretty good in five starts last season, his first prolonged game action since his serious knee injury, but he also turns 28 this year and was dead last in air yards per attempt out of 42 quarterbacks with at least 100 attempts (5.8). He is signed through 2022, but there is a possible out with just $5 million against the cap after next season. Bottom line, the Panthers are still looking for a quarterback to build around. Fields has shown high-end accuracy, a quick release with some zip on the ball and the ability to adjust arm angles to make difficult throws off-schedule. If his game continues progressing, he would be a great get for Carolina here at No. 4.
What we say
Fields ending up in Carolina seems to be about right for what it’ll need. Regardless of what the Panthers do with Teddy Bridgewater, Fields can learn a lot from him and his experience. The issue will be that Carolina could be in the running for Trevor Lawrence, or could look to boost their offensive line as Russell Okung is in his final contractual season.
The other potential fits for Fields are the Bears if Trubisky and Foles don’t pan out this year, the Washington Football Team if they don’t believe in Dwayne Haskins, and the Jaguars if they don’t end up with Lawrence. Carolina makes sense as long as they don’t feel the offensive line is more important.
Next … A potential lockdown corner
No. 8 overall pick CB Shaun Wade – New York Jets
What McShay says
Man, Ohio State just keeps churning out first-round cornerbacks. Wade was stuck behind a pair of them, Jeff Okudah and Damon Arnette, on the depth chart and relegated to slot duties in 2019, but he can also play outside. He is fluid and quick, and while he could use more game experience, he has the physical tools to become a very good cornerback at the next level. A lot of attention was given to providing quarterback Sam Darnold help this offseason, but I think the Jets might turn to the defensive side of the ball with this pick, especially with much of the secondary set to hit the open market after the season.
What we say
Shaun Wade to New York makes sense, but the Jets need wide receiver help as well, even though they traded Jamal Adams. They’ll need a lot of help, and Wade would fill one of those needs. The other fits for Wade would be the Chargers and the Colts. If the Jets do pass on Wade, then I think the Chargers would be the first in line for him because there’s a lot of help needed in the secondary.
Next … A polished and smooth receiver
No. 17 overall pick WR Chris Olave – Jacksonville Jaguars
What McShay says
The Jaguars focused on defense with both first-round picks this past April (CJ Henderson and K’Lavon Chaisson). Then they landed Lawrence as their quarterback here. So it makes perfect sense to get another weapon for the offense with Jacksonville’s second Day 1 selection. If Etienne is available, he could be the answer at running back, with Leonard Fournette potentially heading out of Duval County.
But I think it makes more sense to capitalize on the pool of talented pass-catchers in this range, giving Lawrence another target opposite DJ Chark Jr., especially with Dede Westbrook, Chris Conley and Keelan Cole all playing the final years of their contracts. Olave’s wheels pop on tape, and his ability to find separation, pluck the ball in stride and transition upfield would be appreciated in an offense that was No. 26 in points scored in 2019 (18.8 per game).
What we say
Chris Olave to the Jaguars is probably the one that I believe in the most. The Jets and Dolphins both need receivers and either could make the move to help their teams out. Olave to the Jaguars, however, with their system, is a great fit and would certainly not surprise anyone if this was the pick.
Next … A potential anchor on the offensive line
No. 30 overall pick OL Wyatt Davis – Baltimore Ravens
What McShay says
The Ravens could pop Davis right into the lineup for free-agent-to-be D.J. Fluker in 2021. He did not allow a sack or a hit on his quarterback in 400-plus pass protection reps last season, shows above-average foot quickness and mobility, and has the power to open lanes in the run game. Baltimore can’t let Lamar Jackson take extra hits, and shoring up the guard position with a potential high-end NFL starter here would go a long way. Cornerback depth behind Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters is another spot to watch, as Jimmy Smith becomes a free agent after the season. If still available, Mukuamu would be a good snag, as would Stanford corner Paulson Adebo.
What we say
The one that is the biggest wildcard is Davis. Expecting him to drop to the end of the first round is nothing I expect when looking at the draft. While the Ravens would love to have Davis’ ability to block for Lamar Jackson, the Seahawks or Texans could pull the trigger on Davis before he drops that far.
It is still extremely early in the draft process, and where anyone will go is still a guessing game. We don’t know what the health of players will be, who will rise and fall, how the cancellations will impact anything, and the order of the teams. I do think Ohio State could easily have all four in the first round, but not playing this year could change all of that.
We’ll have more as the draft process continues to march through its steps.
