Turn the page. That’s exactly what we do when one NFL draft ends, and the proverbial calendar flips to the next one. It happens almost instantaneously. Our friends at the mother ship USA TODAY have done the same thing and published a ranking of the best prospects for the 2021 NFL Draft.
And yeah, Ohio State is represented — as you would expect.
Keep in mind, this is not a mock draft, but a straight ranking of the best prospects regardless of position. As such, we’re happy to report that there are three Buckeye players included in the top 25 rankings for next season according to Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz. Those three players are quarterback Justin Fields, cornerback Shaun Wade, and offensive lineman Wyatt Davis.
Here’s where Middlehurst-Schwartz ranked all three, and what he had to say about each.
Next … Quarterback Justin Fields
No. 3 – Justin Fields
What Middlehurst-Schwartz says
“Dating back to his high school days in Georgia, Fields hasn’t ceded the spotlight to Lawrence. And if there’s anyone who can challenge the highly touted quarterback for the top spot in next year’s draft, it’s the Georgia transfer. The 6-3, 223-pound signal-caller puts his downfield passes on point and threw for 41 touchdowns with just three interceptions. He also is dynamic when he takes off running, creating even more problems for defenses trying not to be victimized deep. Even if he ends up the second quarterback selected after Lawrence, he’ll be far from a consolation prize.”
Next … Cornerback Shaun Wade
No. 7 – Shaun Wade
What Middlehurst-Schwartz says
“The Buckeyes’ cornerback pipeline continues with Wade, who’s poised to be Ohio State’s sixth first-round selection at the position in five years. Wade operated in the slot in 2019 with Jeff Okudah (No. 3 overall pick by the Lions) and Damon Arnette (No. 19 by the Raiders) manning the outside, but the 6-1, 195-pound rising junior will step into a larger role and push to match Okudah as the first defensive back selected in his class.”
Next … Offensive guard Wyatt Davis
No. 20 – Wyatt Davis
What Middlehurst-Schwartz says
“After establishing himself as a consensus All-American, Davis opted to delay his entry into the NFL at least another year for another go-around in Columbus. The 6-4, 315-pound blocker is powerful at the point of attack and has enticing tools in pass protection.”
That’s it. Three in the top twenty is fantastic if it all pans out. Who else do you see having a shot at cracking this list?
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