By all accounts and measures, the Ohio State football team is having a season for the ages. It has arguably the best player in college football wrecking offensive game plans from the defensive end spot, and one of the best quarterback and running backs in the country.
And that’s before we even start talking about the seasoned and talented guys in the secondary and wide-receiver position. With all that talent, you’re sure to hear some names called early during the 2020 NFL Draft.
But don’t just believe our word, how about one of the most respected and knowledgeable guys on this sort of thing, ESPN’s NFL Draft expert, Todd McShay. He just released his latest ranking of the top 32 players (subscription required) in the 2020 draft (or the entire first round) and there are three Ohio State players included.
Defensive end Chase Young is labeled as the overall top prospect, cornerback Jeffrey Okudah is No. 4, and running back J.K. Dobbins has moved up into the No. 23 spot. That means McShay now believes he’s the second-best running back available behind Georgia’s D’Andre Swift and ahead of Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor.
Here’s what McShay has to say about all three:
No. 1 Chase Young
Despite missing the last two games, Young has 13.5 sacks (No. 2 in the country), 15.5 tackles for loss (tied for seventh) and five forced fumbles (second). Let those numbers sink in for a minute. He has quickness and above-average bend, and he flashes the ability to convert speed to power, though he still has room for a little improvement getting off blocks. He best fits as a 4-3 defensive end, but he has experience dropping into coverage and could end up converting to a 3-4 outside linebacker role. He has been nothing short of dominant this season, head and shoulders above the rest of the edge rushers in the class.
No. 2 Jeff Okudah
A big, long corner, Okudah has smooth hips and quick feet. He occasionally lunges, but he also shows the ability to recover quickly in press coverage with his athleticism. He has tools to become a No. 1 corner. I love his versatility, as he lines up on both sides and in the slot while helping out in run defense. In 10 games, Okudah has hauled in three interceptions — including a highlight-reel-worthy snag — and he has 22 tackles, a forced fumble and four passes broken up.
No. 23 J.K. Dobbins
Dobbins has above-average balance and core strength. He shows average quickness through the hole and he builds to above-average playing speed. Dobbins is a little tight and isn’t an ankle-breaker in space, but he’s shifty between the tackles. As a pass-catcher, he flashes soft hands and is efficient after the catch. Through 10 games, Dobbins is fifth in the nation in rushing yards (1,289) with a 7.0-per-carry clip, and he has run it into the end zone 13 times.
