COLUMBUS (WCMH) — Six Buckeyes in round 1? Yes.
14 Buckeyes drafted? Yes.
Best draft class ever? We’ll see.
Here are my projections for the Buckeyes in this draft.
FIRST ROUND
DE Joey Bosa: #6 overall to Baltimore
Strengths: Joey said at the NFL Combine he thinks he’s the best player in the draft, and I’m not inclined to argue. At 6’5″ with long arms and quick feet he will be an enormous pain for offensive tackles. He says he’s embraced technique and hand placement emphasized by OSU defensive line coach Larry Johnson. His family is full of NFL talent. It adds up to an easy pick.
Weaknesses: Teams may have a concern as to why he was suspended for the Virginia Tech game this past season and Joey would not address it publicly but he did disclose it to teams.
RB Ezekiel Elliott: #8 overall to Cleveland
Strengths: I suspect many people will say Zeke is the most-prepared offensive player in this draft, and if Cleveland keeps that pick at 8 I can’t think of one good reason why they shouldn’t pick Zeke here (IF he’s still on the board). He can run, catch and block at an elite level and you know he demands greatness.
Weaknesses: He’ll get questions about his postgame rant after the loss to MSU, but it’s irrelevant.
LB Darron Lee: #17 overall to Atlanta
Strengths: Few linebackers in the NFL can play in space against the modern passing offenses the way DLee can. His 40 time at the Combine (4.47) simply cemented Darron as a unique talent (he ran faster than Braxton Miller, among many other speed athletes). Plays with swagger and confidence.
Weaknesses: Some will question his tackling ability and size against NFL running backs. Darron’s on-field confidence and hunger suggest he’ll overcome any doubts.
OT Taylor Decker: #18 overall to Indianapolis
Strengths: He’s worked at the LeCharles Bentley training academy this offseason and is highly interested in the technique of playing the position. He has a nasty streak and can be a bully at times during games. And he’s a monster at 6’8″. He’s also a smart, polished player who will enjoy a long NFL career.
Weaknesses: If he’s asked to move to right tackle in the NFL there could be an adjustment period. Otherwise, very little downside.
CB Eli Apple: #25 to Pittsburgh
Strengths: Pittsburgh LOVES drafting OSU defensive players and Eli would merely continue that pipeline. He plays with confidence and does not shy away from man coverage on the edge. He has good hands and can turn an interception into something special. Fast (4.40 40 at combine).
Weaknesses: He’s still growing and needs to get stronger as a tackler in space. Can be susceptible to pass interference calls.
S Vonn Bell: #26 to Seattle
Strengths: Many scouts think he can play corner in the NFL so I like this fit with Pete Carroll’s defense. He plays with “competitive arrogance” as Urban Meyer calls it and he can make BIG plays for a defense. He can turn INT’s and fumbles into touchdowns the other way and change momentum.
Weaknesses: Would love it if he was just a little taller with longer arms. Wonder if some teams will say he’s a great hybrid but not a perfect fit at safety or corner. He didn’t run the 40 at the combine due to a hamstring injury but can run a 4.5.
SECOND ROUND
WR Michael Thomas
Strengths: Size and genetics. At 6’3″ and a nephew of Keyshawn Johnson, he’s a perfect NFL fit. He catches everything and makes tough catches routinely. Fantastic in the red zone.
Weakness: Has good but not elite speed, wonder how he’ll separate from NFL defenders.
WR Braxton Miller
Strengths: At the tail end of the 2nd round I bet a team will come looking for Miller. We know he can run (despite the combine 40 time) and we know he can make special plays. Showed good hands downfield.
Weaknesses: Still needs seasoning as a receiver after playing just 1 year at that position. His injury history has been… Odd. He’s taken some big hits in his career and sat out games, only to re-appear the next week seemingly unfazed. His surgically repaired right shoulder could keep some teams hesitant.
THIRD ROUND
DT Adolphus Washington
Strengths: First round talent. When you watch the tape from the Penn State and Michigan games this year you see him all over the place. At 300 lbs he shows great movement down the line of scrimmage and can get to the quarterback.
Weaknesses: He’s had to address with teams his arrest in December for solicitation. To his credit, he’s owned it publicly and with teams.
LB Joshua Perry
Strengths: Maturity, character and real talent. At 6’3″ and 250lbs he has size and speed off the edge and can thump opponents. He’s a grown up and would emerge as a team leader as a rookie. Really strong tackler.
Weaknesses: Can he play outside and defend the pass at the NFL level? Some scouts will have doubts.
TE Nick Vannett
Strengths: Excellent hands, great size at 6’6″ and a guy who can run. Had to develop as a blocker due to OSU’s offense so he should be more versatile at the next level.
Weaknesses: Disappeared at times in OSU’s offense and seemed like an under-used weapon.
FIFTH ROUND
S Tyvis Powell
Strengths: Size. He looks the part at 6’3″ and he normally plays the part, too. Can pick off passes, especially on some big stages (last play vs. Michigan, last play of Sugar Bowl, etc.). Ran a 4.46 at the combine, an excellent time.
Weaknesses: Has not been the surest of tacklers and he’ll need to become a more physical player in the NFL.
SIXTH ROUND
QB Cardale Jones
Strengths: Undefeated as a starter at Ohio State, including 3 championship games. Unrivaled arm strength in this draft. Elite size and sneaky ability to run the ball, even with power.
Weaknesses: Accuracy. He lost his starting job at OSU after failing to connect with open receivers. Played exclusively from the shotgun so he’ll need to adjust to taking snaps from under center. Questions about his study habits. Very little starting experience.
SEVENTH ROUND
WR Jalin Marshall
Strengths: Versatility. Was an explosive returner in addition to a dangerous returner and ball carrier for the Buckeyes. Played QB in high school and adjusted quickly to new positions.
Weakness: Many scouts were surprised he left school after his sophomore season. He has a knee injury in his history. Did not run a great 40 at the combine (4.6).
FREE AGENTS
OT Chase Farris
DT Tommy Schutt