Since the advent of the modern-day NFL Draft, Ohio State has 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. The 2020 NFL Draft is now just three weeks away, and we’ve updated our NFL draft tracker and likely landing spots for the final time.
There’s not a lot of movement, but Damon Arnette is now projected to solidly be in the second round of the draft as opposed to a little later.
Next … The first-round locks
Chase Young – Defensive End
Nothing has changed here. If anything it has become more solidified. 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, and 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, but he’s a pro-bowler waiting to happen. Unless there’s significant movement at the top, he’s likely off the board very, very early.
Projected: First round, top ten — could go No. 3 overall to the Detroit Lions or shortly after. Carolina has also been talked about at No. 7, as have a few other teams with trades in the mix.
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, but will more than likely go after Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor. 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 thinks it can make the 5-foot, 10-inch, 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, while also showing game-breaking ability. He leaves Ohio State as the only 2,000-yard single-season rusher in program history.
Projected: Early second round, potentially very late first round. The Dolphins and Chiefs have reportedly expressed interest as have other teams.
Damon Arnette – Cornerback
We’ve moved Ohio State’s “other” cornerback up in our projection. Arnette came back for his senior season rather than declaring for the NFL Draft last year and there’s no doubt he’ll benefit. 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.
He’s extremely gifted athletically and has improved his technical skills with an extra year of seasoning. A scout of NFL executive might be giddy about the upside and reach here to go late in the first round, but more than likely he’s a second-rounder.
Projected: Mid to late second round
Next … Late Second or Third Rounders
Likely Second or Third Rounders
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 enough 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 they turn the film on.
Projected: Late third round
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 and has continued to move up draft boards as more teams take a deep dive on his technique and production. We originally had him going in the sixth or seventh round but now believe he has enhanced his stock dramatically and are keeping him projected as a third or fourth-round pick.
Projected: Late third, early fourth 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. 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. He left Ohio State as 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. He’s extremely smart with a high football IQ and is great off-the-field.
Projected: Fourth Round
Davon Hamilton – Defensive Tackle
Davon Hamilton isn’t the type of guy that stands out for his fast-twitch athleticism, but he’s a grinder and tireless worker. If a team wants a guy that has a motor that won’t stop, they’ll be happy with this selection.
Projected: Fifth Round
Next … Likely Sixth and Seventh Rounders
Sixth or Seventh Rounders
Binjimen Victor – Wide Receiver
Victor 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 someone 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
Liam McCullough – Longsnapper
Projected: Undrafted free agent
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