The 2020 NFL Draft is officially in the books, and it was another smashing hit for the Ohio State program. Nobody could keep up with one of the best ever drafts by LSU, with a total of fourteen players taken, but the Buckeyes came in tied with Michigan (who knew) for the second-most players drafted with ten.
Now it’s time to turn our focus to next year’s draft. Hopefully, there’s still a season to play, but in the meantime, it’s interesting to look at who could be having their name called next April so that others can step up at the NFL factory headquarters in Columbus, Ohio.
As a caveat, this is a very early look and doesn’t include some juniors that could breakout (a.k.a. Dwayne Haskins). Yeah, Tyreke Smith might put it all together and jump after a mind-boggling junior year, but the call is for him to stay for another year. That’s just one example. These can — and likely will — change.
So, here’s a very early look at what Ohio State may be looking at for the 2021 NFL Draft:
Next … Potential first-rounders
Justin Fields, Quarterback – Junior
Fields will be just a junior, but he’s three years removed from his high school graduation, so he’ll be draft-eligible. He’s certainly an early first-rounder at this point and has the potential to be top three, maybe even No. 1 overall.
Shaun Wade, Cornerback – Redshirt Junior
Wade flirted with coming out this year, but made the decision to be the No. 1 guy in Ohio State’s secondary this coming year as a redshirt sophomore. That will most likely improve his draft stock greatly, potentially, and probably somewhere in the first round.
Wyatt Davis, Offensive Line – Redshirt Junior
Davis won’t be the best offensive line prospect in the draft, that distinction will likely go to Oregon’s Penei Sewell. He’s might be the next best option though for team looking for an anchor.
Next … Second or third-rounders
Chris Olave, Wide receiver – Junior
Olave is a smooth route runner and can take the top off of defenses with his speed. An NFL team could put him on the slot or the outside, and his versatility will pay dividends at the next level. He could slide into the first-round, or more than likely the second in another deep wide receiver class. Of course, he could also elect to come back for his senior campaign.
Thayer Munford, Offensive Line – Senior
Munford is a solid performer that has really blossomed since getting in the program — seemingly from nowhere. He has drawn rave reviews from the coaching staff and could have left this year as well. He’s back, and if he continues to develop at the rate we’ve seen, he’ll be picked fairly early.
Josh Myers, Center – Redshirt Junior
Myers is back again as well after considering an early departure. He has made himself into one heck of a center prospect. Those are extremely valued at the next level.
Next … Mid rounders
Pete Werner, Linebacker – Senior
Werner’s ability to run and diagnose plays are underrated. In today’s game, being able to run and play in space is at a premium, and he fits the bill.
Tuf Borland, Linebacker – Graduate Senior
Borland’s stats and measurements likely won’t jump out at NFL scouts, but he’s got value with his football IQ, and ability to work his way through traffic. He’s got another year in the program after finally being healthy, so look for him to improve his stock.
Trey Sermon, Running back – Graduate Senior
Depending on how things shake out, Sermon could move up into the earlier rounds. Alternatively, he could end up in a platoon with Master Teague and drop. Still, he’s going to get some volume running behind a very good offensive line, so he’ll get looks.
Next … Potential late rounders
Jonathon Cooper, Defensive end – Graduate Senior
Cooper can play on the edge or on the interior. He had an injury-plagued year last season and is back for one more go at it. He’s a hard worker and has a motor that never stops. An NFL team should feel good about giving him a shot.
Drue Chrisman, Punter – Graduate Senior
Not many teams will take an earlier pick on a punter, but we do think Chrisman has shown enough to get drafted in the late rounds. He’s an underrated weapon that can flip the field, and bottles.
Next … Seventh-round or undrafted free-agents
Justin Hilliard, Linebacker – Graduate Senior
Luke Farrell, Tight End – Senior
Blake Haubeil, Kicker – Senior
Haskell Garrett, Defensive Tackle – Senior
C.J. Saunders, Wide Receiver – Graduate Senior
Marcus Williamson, Defensive Back – Senior
Demario McCall, Wide receiver/Running Back – Senior
