Since the advent of the modern-day NFL Draft, Ohio State has seemingly always been a monster when it comes to churning out players at the next level. And it’s not just the draft in general, but at the top end as well. In fact, the Buckeyes lead the country in the number of first-round draft picks in the history of the annual spectacle.
But players of varying degree and promise continue to walk across the stage with a scarlet and gray swagger. This year is no different. We know the 2020 NFL Draft is still nearly three months away, but it’s time to turn the page and look ahead to what OSU players are eligible and what round they might go in.
So let’s get going with our potential first-rounders.
Sure First Round Picks
Chase Young – Defensive End
Young might be the most talented football player in the draft. He is a game-wrecker that demands a lot of attention unless you want him in your backfield all day. He set the single-season Ohio State record for sacks and someone’s going to be very happy to pick him up. He is unlikely to go as the top pick because the Cincinnati Bengals need themselves a QB. He’ll go quickly thereafter.
Projected: First round, top three — likely No. 2 overall to the Washington Redskins
Jeff Okudah – Cornerback
Okudah is widely considered to be the best defensive back in the 2020 draft and he’ll go extremely early. He is rangy, long, athletic and fast. He has all the makings of a No. 1 lockdown corner at the next level. The stats don’t jump out at you because hardly anyone threw his direction. He’s a good one though. Unless there’s movement at the top, he’s likely off the board very, very early.
Projected: First round, top five — could go No. 3 overall to the Detroit Lions
Next … Possible First or Second Rounders
Potential First Round, Likely Second
J.K. Dobbins – Running Back
Dobbins might be the first running back taken off the board. The problem is that ball-carriers are no longer the commodity they once were. There’s always the exception to the rule, and if a team falls in love and needs thanks it can make the 5-10, 217 pounder a feature of the offense, he might sneak into the first round. He showed his abilities this year, getting tough yards between the tackles, but showing game-breaking ability as well. He leaves Ohio State as the only 2,000-yard single-season rusher in program history.
Projected: Early second round
Next … Likely Second or Third Rounders
Likely Second or Third Rounders
Damon Arnette – Cornerback
Arnette came back for his senior season rather than declaring for the NFL Draft last year and it’ll benefit him. In today’s NFL defensive backs are like gold, and with the talent Ohio State has churned out at the position in recent years, it’ll only help his chances this go-round. His extremely gifted athletically and has improved his technical skills with an extra year of seasoning. A scout of NFL executive might love the upside and reach here, but he’s likely not sneaking into the second round.
Projected: Early Third Round
Malik Harrison – Linebacker
Harrison won’t go early in the draft, but he’s a hybrid guy that can be very valuable in today’s game. He’s fast-twitch enough to drop in coverage, yet is strong and athletic to shed tackles and track down ball-carriers. He’s put his work in during his time in the Ohio State program and really improved his junior and senior years. The decision-makers will like what they see when the film is switched on.
Projected: Late Third Round
Next … Likely Fourth and Fifth Rounders
Likely Fourth or Fifth Rounders
K.J. Hill – Wide Receiver
We’ll see just how much Hill’s performance in Senior Bowl drills help his cause. What he’s done so far in the practices leading up to the game will be more valuable than the main event. He’s showing more than adequate speed, great route running, and exceptional hands. I still think his perceived lack of game-breaking ability will ultimately land him somewhere in the fourth round. Someone might be getting a steal though if that happens. I mean, he is the all-time receptions leader in program history for a reason.
Projected: Fourth Round
Jordan Fuller – Safety
Fuller is a smart and athletic player on the back-end. Truth be known he flew a little under the radar in 2019, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have the talent to be a key contributor at the next level. He’s a great teammate with good tackling skills and a well-schooled approach.
Projected: Fourth Round
Davon Hamilton – Defensive Tackle
There’s a reason guys are participating in the Senior Bowl and it’s to improve one’s standing on draft boards. That’s what Hamilton is trying to do. He’s the case-study for a guy that’s put his time in as a workhorse. He’s strong and has a motor that doesn’t quit.
Projected: Fifth Round
Next … Likely Sixth and Seventh Rounders
Sixth or Seventh Rounders
Jonah Jackson – Offensive Line
I think Jackson is very undervalued. He’s shown to be one of the best offensive line talents at the senior bowl. He’s so far off the radar though that it’s unlikely he goes on the first day. Someone will get a steady and solid guy that could break in as a starter with a little time.
Projected: Sixth or Seventh Round
Binjimen Victor – Wide Receiver
Victory has the length and ranginess that can make NFL scouts and executives drool. He could be seen as a redzone, situational guy that will get a shot to prove himself. He won’t be viewed as a guy that can make something happen in space, and that’ll likely keep him from going too high.
Projected: Sixth or Seventh Round
Robert Landers – Defensive Line
Landers is also a workhorse but he’s a bit undersized on the defensive line. Teams will like the fact that he can be plugged into the lineup and just continue to battle. He’s also a high-character guy, and that’ll help his chances at getting drafted more than likely in the late rounds.
Projected: Sixth or Seventh Round
Next … Late Seventh Rounders or Free Agents
Late Seventh, Undrafted Free Agents
Luke Farrell – Tight End
Projected: Late seventh or Undrafted Free Agent
Austin Mack – Wide Receiver
Projected: Undrafted Free Agent
Rashod Berry – Tight End
Projected: Undrafted Free Agent
