Ohio State players had another fantastic draft, especially on the defensive side with three former Buckeyes going in the first round. Chase Young, Jeff Okudah, and Damon Arnette all had their names called on the first day of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Now might be a good time to mention that three of the last four years have seen former Ohio State players selected as the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year. Joey Bosa won it in 2016, Marshon Lattimore took the honor home in 2017, and Nick Bosa claimed it last year.
It’s highly possible that a former Ohio State player wins the NFL’s Defensive ROY again this next season as well. In fact, according to CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso, there are two former Buckeyes in the top ten candidates to be the best rookie defender in the NFL.
Here’s what Trapasso says about both Chase Young and Jeff Okudah, and where he has them ranked in his top ten likely winners.
Next … The Detroit Lions’ Jeff Okudah
No. 4 – Jeff Okudah, CB, Detroit Lions
What Trapasso says:
“Okudah was the premier press-man cornerback in this class and easily my top cornerback overall. He smothered Big 10 receivers — and did one heck of a job against the Clemson wideouts — with a rare blend of size (6-1, 205 with 32 5/8-inch arms) and athleticism to stick to any type of receiver during his route.”
“Okudah ran a 4.48 40 time, had a 41-inch vertical jump and a 135-inch broad jump — he’s freaky explosive.”
“And he landed in an incredibly man-coverage happy defense in Detroit. According to SIS, the Lions used straight man coverage 54% of the time last season, the highest-rate in the league. If he shadows (big if), Okudah is in line to see Davante Adams, Allen Robinson, Adam Thielen, Michael Thomas, Julio Jones, and Mike Evans. Murderer’s row right there.”
“But if he holds his own as a rookie, has high pass-breakup figures, and a few interceptions as a high pick, Okudah will be a major DROY contender.”
Next … The Washington Redskins’ Chase Young
No. 2 – Chase Young, DE, Washington Redskins
What Trapasso says:
“Young was an elite prospect any way you looked at him. His production was through the roof in his final two seasons at Ohio State. Registering 181 pressures on 790 pass-rush snaps (per PFF) is absurd, especially in a Power 5 conference. And doing it at 6-4 and 265 pounds with a plethora of ways to the quarterback made him the consensus top defender in this class. First step. Speed around the corner. Power through the tackle. Array of pass-rushing counters. He’s incredibly advanced.”
“And Young joins a defensive line featuring four other first-round picks on it. While the Redskins defense probably won’t be outstanding, Young will generate pressure, get sacks, and find himself in the DROY conversation at season’s end. “
