There aren’t too many college football programs that can hold a candle to the amount of NFL prospects Ohio State churns out. In fact, the program has more first-round NFL draft picks than any other program in the country and has also sent more NFL widgets along the assembly line in total since the year 2000.
And it’s not just getting drafted, but the bushel of NFL players with scarlet and gray in their backgrounds have been mighty productive at the next level as well. From running backs to wide receivers, to defensive lineman and the back-end of defenses, you can literally fill out an entire starting team from former Ohio State players in the NFL today if you wanted.
Well, that’s what we are here for. We’ve gone through an exercise of picking the best at each position to field a starting team of former Ohio State players, all from a current pool of those currently on NFL Rosters, aside from just one free agent signing out of necessity.
So, let’s get it started shall we?
Next … QB1
Quarterback
Dwayne Haskins, Washington Redskins
J.T. Barrett is still hanging around the NFL as a journeyman on practice squads, but Haskins is the best option here. He’ll get the shot to cement himself as the face of the franchise this coming season.
Next … The starting running back
Running Back
*Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys
You can’t do much better than arguably the best running back in the league. J.K. Dobbins might also make a name for himself, but Elliott is a clear No. 1 here.
Next … Slot wide receiver
Slot Wide Receiver
Curtis Samuel, Carolina Panthers
Samuel’s skill set bets fits the slot position, and that’s where we’re putting him, getting the nod over Parris Campbell.
Next … No. 1 wide receiver
No. 1 Wide Receiver
*Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints
Does anything really need to be said here? Thomas is the best receiver in the NFL and is likely headed towards the Hall of Fame.
Next … No. 2 wide receiver
No. 2 Wide Receiver
Terry McLaurin, Washington Redskins
McLaurin surprised many and almost put up 1,000 yards receiving as a rookie. He gets the nod over some older guys for his combination of route running, hands, and blazing speed.
Next … Tight End
Tight End
Jeff Heuerman, Denver Broncos
Heuerman’s teammate in Denver was also an option here, but we decided on the returning tight end for the Broncos by a hair.
Next … Center
Center
Corey Linsley, Green Bay Packers
Linsley has been a solid starter since entering the league and provides a calming presence at center.
Next … Left Guard
Left Guard
*Andrew Norwell, Jacksonville Jaguars
We used a little liberty with the offensive line group. Norwell is a center by trade in the NFL, but we’re moving him over to left guard to get the best five on the field and sure up the interior. Not bad for being able to slide an All-Pro selection down the line.
Next … Right Guard
Right Guard
Jonah Jackson, Detroit Lions
We think Jackson is going to find his way into the starting lineup this season. He’s underrated but folks are going to know him soon enough.
Next … Left Tackle
Left Tackle
Taylor Decker, Detroit Lions
Decker is a proven starter to protect the blind side for Haskins. He is easily the best option here.
Next … Right Tackle
Right Tackle
Jamarco Jones, Seattle Seahawks
Jones doesn’t have a whole lot of experience at tackle with the Seahawks, but started for two years there for Ohio State and is still a solid option at this spot.
Next … No. 1 Defensive End
No. 1 Defensive End
Chase Young, Washington Redskins
Yeah, we could go safe here and just pick both of the Bosa brothers, but Young has the chance to be a generational talent and that’s what we’re sticking with.
Next … No. 2 Defensive End
No. 2 Defensive End
*Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers
We debated which Bosa to go with, but Nick was a little more productive his rookie season than big brother Joey and will continue to improve. He gets to book-end Young on the other side.
Next … No. 1 Defensive Tackle
No. 1 Defensive Tackle
*Cameron Heyward, Pittsburgh Steelers
A three-time All-Pro selection, Heyward makes sense to plug in the middle of the defensive line and turn him loose.
Next … No. 2 Defensive Tackle
No. 2 Defensive Tackle
Johnathan Hankins, Las Vegas Raiders
Hankins is a veteran that can plug up the middle and should be more than effective in the middle interior of the D-line.
Next … Strongside linebacker
Strongside Linebacker
Jerome Baker, Miami Dolphins
Baker has been a playmaker for Miami and plugs right into the strong side of a 4-3 scheme.
Next … Middle linebacker
Middle Linebacker
Raekwon McMillan, Miami Dolphins
Baker’s teammate, McMillan is the best option in the middle to come up in run support and range sideline to sideline.
Next … Weakside linebacker
Weakside Linebacker
Malik Harrison, Baltimore Ravens
Harrison might end up starting in Baltimore and has the best combination of size and athleticism to diagnose and run down plays from the weak side.
Next … No. 1 cornerback
No. 1 Cornerback
*Denzel Ward, Cleveland Browns
Ward is a lock here. He’s proven himself as a top-end corner in the league.
Next … No. 2 cornerback
No. 2 Cornerback
Jeff Okudah, Detroit Lions
This was a tough call. We took Okudah over Marshon Lattimore, Bradley Roby, and Gareon Conley because of the athleticism, technique, and seemingly limitless ceiling. This was by far the toughest group to pick from with all of the depth available. That’s before we even discuss first-round 2020 selection Damon Arnette.
Next … Free Safety
Free Safety
*Malcolm Jenkins, New Orleans Saints
He might be at the tail-end of his career, but Jenkins isn’t too far removed from being an All-Pro, and he’s got the experience and grit to be a hard-hitting free safety roaming the field.
Next … Strong Safety
Strong Safety
Vonn Bell, Cincinnati Bengals
Bell is starting to blossom into an excellent starting safety and we’re picking him just ever so slightly over Malik Hooker.
Next … Punter
Punter
Cameron Johnston, Philadelphia Eagles
There’s no doubt on this one. Johnston has turned into one of the best punters in the NFL.
Next … Kicker
Field Goals and Kick-Offs
Mike Nugent, Free Agent
This is the one spot we had to take some serious liberties on. Nugent is currently out of work and probably won’t find his way back to the NFL, but he can still get it done. We’ll sign him as a free agent and wait for Blake Haubeil to become available next year perhaps.
Next … Return specialist
Kick Returns
Ted Ginn, Jr., Chicago Bears
He’s starting to become advanced in age, but Ginn still has speed to burn and would be a dangerous weapon in the return game.
Next … Long snapper
Long Snapper
*Jake McQuade, Los Angeles Rams
McQuaide gives us another All-Pro at a very important position. Lock it in.
*Current or former All-Pro selection
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