With summer camp just around the corner, we thought we’d take a look at who we think would be the top five NFL prospects for 2020. Our projections will be based solely on what these players have done in past seasons and what our hope is for the upcoming schedule. Of course no one can predict the future, but it’s always fun to take a stab.
The Buckeye program has had no shortage of draft picks over the last few years, and that looks to continue next year. Here’s five of the best and most likely to hear their name called in the spring of 2020.
Here we go…
No. 5 – K.J. Hill, Wide Receiver
The collective roar you heard early in 2019 was the sound of Buckeye fans everywhere rejoicing that K.J. Hill would return to Columbus for his senior season. After a breakout year with 70 receptions and almost 900 receiving yards, no one would have blamed him for testing the NFL waters.
Instead, Hill opted to spend one more year in Scarlet and Gray where he’ll most likely captain another talented receiving corp. Even with the great unknown of a somewhat inexperience quarterback, I expect K.J. to have another big season. Look to hear “Fields to Hill” often in the fall.
Projected Draft Position: Early to Mid 4th Round
No. 4 – Thayer Munford, Offensive Tackle
Thayer Munford was arguably the best all-around offensive linemen in the OSU trenches in 2018. That was until injuries derailed the big man’s season.
Munford has again been battling injuries throughout the spring which prevented him from playing in the annual LifeSports Spring Game. However, all signs are pointing to Munford being past the lower back injury that shelved him earlier in the year, and he should be ready to do big things this fall.
Assuming all things continue in the right direction, big No. 75 should be the starting left tackle protecting Justin Field’s blind side.
Projected Draft Position: Late 3rd Round
No. 3 – J.K. Dobbins, Running Back
On the surface, it seems that J.K. Dobbins took a step backwards in 2018 after a phenomenal freshman campaign in 2017. But with Dwayne Haskins not being the same threat to run as J.T. Barrett, defenses could key on Dobbins. With a much more mobile Justin Fields under center, defensive attention will be split.
The draft class of 2020 could boast a bevy of talent at the running back position with a deep junior class of runners, led by Dobbins, Jonathon Taylor, D’Andre Swift, and more.
I see Dobbins getting back to the 1,500 yard range and continuing to be a threat in the passing game.
Projected Draft Position: Early to Mid 3rd Round
No. 2 – Malik Harrison, Linebacker
Malik Harrison is an athletic freak. Don’t believe me? Watch this clip of a dunk contest in high school.
Believe it or not, Harrison was not highly recruited out of high school. In fact he was only a 3-star recruit coming out of Walnut Ridge High School in Columbus. However, Harrison is the kind of kid you want on your team and he’s developed into a force. He’s worked his way up the charts and has become the heart and soul of the Buckeye defense. His speed and athleticism will have NFL GMs drooling.
Projected Draft Position: Mid to Late 2nd Round
No. 1 – Chase Young, Defensive End
When Nick Bosa went down with injury early last season, everyone wondered who was going to pick up the slack. Not easy shoes to fill, but Chase Young did an admirable job bursting onto the scene with 9.5 sacks.
Young is lightning quick off the ball and is poised to have another big year living in opposing offensive backfields. He looks every bit the part as the next great Buckeye DE in the Larry Johnson era.
Look for him to take an even further leap in 2019 and be a beast of a player that will be a sure-fire first-rounder.
Projected Draft Position: Early to Mid 1st Round
