There was once again a scarlet and gray flavor to the NFL draft. All told, ten former Ohio State players were taken in the seven rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft, three of them first-rounders.
We’ve seen many former Buckeyes make an impact as a rookie. Michael Thomas, the Bosas, Terry McLaurin, Marshon Lattimore, Ezekiel Elliott, and others. It seems like every year, the NFL has stars that played their college football in Columbus rise up and make that transition to stardom on Sundays.
NFL.com believes there are a handful of Ohio State players that have a chance to shine once again in their rookie season, and have included them in a top 25 list of those most likely to make an impact. Some are labeled as sleepers, some as candidates for rookie of the year.
Here’s what Dan Parr says about a trio of Buckeyes’ chances to make a significant impact during their freshman campaigns:
Next … Running back J.K. Dobbins
No. 18 – The Baltimore Ravens’ J.K. Dobbins – “Don’t Sleep On Him”
What Parr says:
“Dobbins’ inclusion on the list might raise some eyebrows considering the Ravens still have Mark Ingram, Gus Edwards, Justice Hill and Lamar Jackson to split carries between. Then again, Baltimore wants to run the ball down people’s throats. There’s going to be a significant workload for the former Buckeye, and no one should be surprised if he becomes the reigning AFC North champs’ most effective back in 2020 with Ingram entering his age-30 season. He’s the perfect grind-it-out runner for this offense.”
Next … Cornerback Jeff Okudah
No. 6 – The Detroit Lions’ Jeff Okudah – “Greatness Within Reach”
What Parr says:
“His production totals might not end up jumping off the page in his rookie campaign, just like they didn’t during his Ohio State career (three interceptions, 18 passes defensed in three seasons). Those numbers are an indication of how badly quarterbacks wanted to avoid throwing at him. He has all the tools to become a shutdown corner at the next level, and a defensive-minded head coach like Matt Patricia should be able to get the most out the draft’s third overall pick in his man-coverage-heavy scheme.”
Next … Defensive End Chase Young
No. 1 – The Washington Redskins’ Chase Young – “Top Contenders for ROY”
What Parr says:
“Widely considered the best player in the draft, Young joins a defensive line that was already loaded with former first-round picks in Jonathan Allen, Ryan Kerrigan, Daron Payne and Montez Sweat. That talent is going to create opportunities for him and vice versa. NFL Network draft guru Daniel Jeremiah has likened the 6-5, 264-pound freak off the edge to Julius Peppers and Mario Williams. Enough said.”
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