The 2019 NFL Draft is finally here, and if you’re an Ohio State fan there’s plenty to keep an eye on. Here’s five things about the Buckeyes to watch starting tonight.
It’s finally here. Whether you’re a big fan of all the drama that’s associated with the NFL Draft or not, there’s no denying that it’s part of the game that teams have to do well in to ensure future success. Some teams always seem to draft well, while others have a history of crazy and questionable decisions (I’m looking at you Cleveland).
Part of all the shenanigans is watching which schools show up big on draft day. And the benefit of following a program like Ohio State is that there’s normally plenty of players to watch, and plenty of storylines to stay close to.
So here we go. Whether you have a NFL Draft party, just sit quietly and watch it yourself, or catch up on all the news after, here’s five things to keep an eye on from scarlet and gray colored glasses.
Next … How many in the fist round?
How many Buckeyes will go in the first round?
It’s a badge of honor isn’t it? Someone from Tuscaloosa boasts about x-number of players being taken off the board from Alabama in round one, and someone from Clemson responds in-kind.
But Ohio State holds a candle to nobody when it comes to guys getting drafted early, and it could be no different in the 2019 NFL Draft. Nick Bosa and Dwayne Haskins are almost a sure bet to be taken in the first round, and guys like Parris Campbell and Dre’Mont Jones have shown as first round scenarios in other mock drafts around the world. Terry McLaurin also has an outside shot.
They won’t all go in the first thirty-two picks, but how many will?
Next … Where will Dwayne Haskins go?
The early bird gets the Dwayne Haskins worm?
To me, this is one of the main storylines of the entire draft. In recent weeks, rumors have circulated that Haskins is falling down the board and might not go until very late in the first round. I don’t buy it, but it’s hard to separate fabrications from reality sometimes as the draft nears.
The prevailing scenario is that the Heisman finalist will go to the NY Giants at No. 6, but at this point you know the back-and-forth media game that’s has spun him beyond that pick and to places like Cincinnati (No. 11), Washington (15), and even Green Bay (30).
But I’m not convinced that very secretly a team has fallen in love with Haskins and will trade up to get him. Quarterbacks always seem to be the story of the draft, and with what he can do on the field paired with the character and IQ he possesses, don’t be surprised if someone jumps up to get him very early.
Next … What about the fringe picks?
The later rounds, or undrafted free agents?
There are always a few guys — Ohio State included — that are right on the cusp of either being drafted or having to go the undrafted free-agent route. Those guys include the likes of wide-receiver Johnnie Dixon, offensive lineman Malcolm Pridgeon and Demetrius Knox, and kicker Sean Nuernberger to name a few.
Of course it’s always easier to make a team if you get picked up on the draft, but simply getting a shot and having to fight your way through the hard way is also the dream of some.
Former Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett comes to mind here. He had to go the undrafted free agent route with the New Orleans Saints and has been re-signed and released numerous times. He’s still battling, but he got a shot.
Next … Did Terry McLaurin impress enough?
How much did Terry McLaurin improve his draft stock?
After the Senior Bowl, the NFL Combine and Ohio State Pro-day, perhaps no other Buckeye player improved his standing in the draft more than wide-receiver Terry McLaurin. He put up a very fast time in Indianapolis to turn some heads, has blown people away with his character, and has shown the ability to run sharp, crisp routes.
More than that, his attention to detail and extreme effort isn’t something you just run across every day. He was literally THE story at the Senior Bowl and it got the momentum train steaming out of the tunnel. From there, it seems to have continued on with meetings with teams and extremely positive things written about him among several reputable draft sites.
Now, when the rubber meets the road, we’ll have to see where he goes. Will it be relatively early, or will he be a mid to later round pick?
Next … Bosa No. 1?
Will a team try and take Nick Bosa as No. 1 overall?
If you’re read many of the mock drafts out there, the overall consensus seems to be that former Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa is fairly locked in at No. 2 with the San Francisco 49ers. Especially since the Arizona Cardinals have a seemingly fallen in love with Kyler Murray at No. 1.
But … Bosa is on most draft boards as the overall numero uno talent available, and the Cardinals could decide to go with him and pull a Charlie Brown, or a team could get antsy and try to swing a deal with Arizona to move all the way up and get what many believe is a generational player on the edge.
It really depends on how sold on Murray the Cardinals are as the head and shoulders above the field best quarterback in this class is. If they are really, really in love with him, they won’t entertain many offers. If not, maybe they allow a trade, get some additional picks in return and another team takes over the No. 1 spot and takes Bosa first.
It’s unlikely at this point, but we’ve seen stranger things happen.
