Ohio State has no shortage of talent making its name in the NFL. In fact, only one program has more guys that have landed on NFL rosters and competing in training camp, and it’s more than just one position. There are Buckeyes littered all across the NFL from top running backs, to lockdown corners, to rookies ready to break out.
But who are the best of best that are currently doing their business on Sundays that used to wear the Scarlet and Gray? Of course it’s a judgement call, but here are the top ten former Ohio State players in the NFL as it stands today.
No. 10 – Dwayne Haskins, Jr.
Look, we know Haskins has yet to prove anything, being a rookie and all. But he’s got the physical tools and mental aptitude to figure this thing out and be the face of the Washington franchise. It may not happen in week one this year, but eventually he’s going to be rockin’ and grinding away.
And when he does, he’ll show why he’s the most decorated single-season quarterback in Ohio State and Big Ten history. It’s mostly on potential here, but wait a couple of years and he might be one of the best the game has to offer.
No. 9 – Nick Bosa
Next on the list is another unproven guy, but NFL scouts and executives were drooling over the 6-4, 267 lbs. wrecking ball for a reason. When he was fully healthy and on the field, Nick Bosa was the best player in every game he played. He has an explosive first step, can bull rush opposing offensive lineman, and is as strong as an ox.
He was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, and as long as he can get and stay healthy, he should have a career that could get him multiple Pro-Bowls and perhaps more.
No. 8 – Curtis Samuel
Samuel broke out in the 2016 season for Ohio State and ended up getting drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. His rookie season was cut short by injury, but he came back strong in 2018.
His stats won’t overwhelm anyone to this point, but when he touches the ball, he’s as dangerous and explosive as they come. He’s looking to be a bigger part of things in 2019 with the Panthers.
Next … seven through four
No. 7 – Malcolm Jenkins
Jenkins is one of the best defensive backs to ever suit up for Ohio State, and the New Orleans Saints took note, drafting him in the first round as the fourteenth overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. It was a productive first few years, but things got better after that.
He signed a free-agent deal with the Eagles in 2014 and proceeded to make the Pro Bowl in 2015, 2016, and 2017. Jenkins has had a long and illustrious ten year career that includes two Super Bowl wins. He’s still going strong today.
No. 6 – Cameron Heyward
The son of the late Craig “Ironhead” Heyward, Cameron made a big impact while at Ohio State, but has continued to be a difference maker with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was selected as the 31st overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft and has been increasingly productive ever since.
He has made the Pro-Bowl each of the last two seasons and has been ranked by peers as one of the top 100 NFL Players in the league twice — the highest being No. 43 after the 2017 season.
No. 5 – Ted Ginn, Jr.
Perhaps the speediest of all the players on this list, Ginn has carved out a solid NFL career. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft as the No. 9 overall pick. One could argue that he never lived up to such a lofty draft pick, but it’s been a long and productive career that’s still pulling amps.
Ginn has yet to make a Pro-Bowl, but has amassed 379 catches for over 5,200 yards and 33 total touchdowns. He has also has seven returns for a touchdown in his 12-year career that has had stops with the Dolphins, 49ers, Panthers, Cardinals, and Saints.
No. 4 – Denzel Ward
Ward was a standout at Ohio State and was projected as one of the top corners coming into the 2018 NFL Draft. He was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the first round as the fourth overall pick. Though we only have a one-year body of work, it’s a stellar one.
He was selected as the rookie of the week twice in 2018 and made the Pro-Bowl after just one season of work, starting 12 games and totaling 42 tackles and three interceptions on the year. He’s poised to be one of the best defensive backs in the league for the foreseeable future.
Next … the top three
No. 3 – Joey Bosa
It was really no surprise that Bosa was as productive as he was once he hit the field with the Chargers. He too was a first round pick, taken as the third overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
He missed the first four games of his rookie season because of a hamstring injury, but finished the year as the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. He proceeded to make the Pro Bowl in 2017, but dealt with an injury again last year before finally getting game action in week eleven.
If he’s healthy, there’s not many better coming off the edge.
No. 2 – Ezekiel Elliott
Simply put, Elliott might be the best true running back in the NFL. He’s got a quick first step, accelerates through to the second level better than anyone, and has the ability to power through arm tackles and break off big runs. He’s also a workhorse for a Dallas team that relies heavily on his services.
He led the NFL in rushing in 2016 and again in 2018 after being drafted as the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Elliott has made two Pro-Bowls in his short career and has a good chance to be one of the best to ever tote the mail as long as his off-the-field antics quiet down.
No. 1 – Michael Thomas
I don’t think anyone saw the former Ohio State receiver blowing up like he has at the next level. There’s no doubt he possessed the tools to be a very good receiver for years to come, but it’s been his legendary work-ethic that has raised his game to the next level.
Thomas was also taken in the 2016 NFL Draft, but selected in the second round as the No. 47 overall selection. What has happened since then has been simply amazing, as Thomas is arguably the best receiver in the league. He set an NFL record for the most receptions of any player over his first three years, and shows no signs of stopping.
