The draft is still at least eight or nine months away (unless the NFL postpones for a spring college football season), but it’s at least something to talk about while we wait for the next moves the Big Ten makes on football.
We like to keep our eyes on several of the bigger draft experts out there like Luke Easterling of Draft Wire, and ESPN’s duo of Todd McShay and Mel Kiper, but we’re open to the new kids on the block too. In fact, Pro Football Focus is now doing an NFL mock draft, and we’re all over it.
It’s always interesting to see what the consensus is on these things, and we can tell you that PFF’s mock first-round has a similar ring to what other experts and analysts are saying about potential high picks for Ohio State players.
It has three Buckeyes projected to go in the first round, and we’re here to tell you who, when, and where, and a quick synopsis of what PFF says about each.
Next … The QB you know and love
No. 2 – Justin Fields, Washington Football Team
What PFF’s Michael Renner Says
“They were No. 1 and No. 2 as recruits. Now, they’re No. 1 and No. 2 in the 2020 NFL Draft. Fields doesn’t even need a 2020 season to solidify his spot here — that’s how good he was in his lone year as a starter. His 92.4 passing grade trailed only Joe Burrow nationally last season. In the same offense with the likes of Parris Campbell and Terry Mclaurin the year prior, Dwayne Haskins only put up an 84.9 passing grade in 2018. And that doesn’t even take into account the fact that Fields will likely run in the 4.5s and went for 688 yards on the ground with 20 broken tackles on 72 carries last season.”
What we say
I can’t see this happening. With what we’ve heard coming from the Washington players and coaches, Dwayne Haskins is on a mission and I think you see a big improvement in him for the 2020-2021 season. It would be a quick turn to move on from one Buckeye QB to the next, and Haskins will show enough for the team to give him some more time.
Next … A potential All-Pro on the offensive line
No. 16 – Wyatt Davis, Chicago Bears
What PFF’s Michael Renner Says
“The Bears still haven’t properly addressed Kyle Long’s departure on the interior of the offensive line. While this may seem high for a guard, Davis was that good for the Buckeyes last season — he didn’t allow a single sack or hit all year.”
What we say
I’ve seen some NFL mock drafts for 2021 not even include Davis in the first round. I don’t buy that. Once a scout of NFL executive gets a look at the film he’s put out there, it’s a no-brainer that he’s probably the second-best lineman available in the draft behind Oregon’s Penei Sewell. It just all depends where teams land in need of an interior offensive lineman. The Bears are in need for sure, so it makes sense.
Next … A potential lockdown corner
No. 22 – Shaun Wade, Buffalo Bills
What PFF’s Michael Renner Says
“While Wade’s proficiency as a press-man corner on the outside remains to be seen, the skills he’s shown in the slot should translate nicely to a zone-heavy defense like Buffalo’s. He’s a physical corner who has been a terrific tackler in his career, with only six misses on 70 career attempts.”
What we say
This is too low. Wade might be seen as the best corner in the draft when it’s all said and done, even without playing another snap. He only played in the slot last season because there were two first-round NFL players with more experience in front of him. He has a high ceiling with unbelievable athleticism, and if he falls this far, I’ll be shocked.
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