As the current Ohio State Buckeyes focus on spring practice, several former players are following their dreams of playing in the NFL. Compared to last year, there won't be many Buckeyes drafted. But there will be several players who end up being selected, including at least three who should go in the first round.
With that in mind, here is a projecting of where every Ohio State Buckeye NFL Draft prospect will be selected.
1st Round
Marshon Lattimore, CB
It's more likely than not that Lattimore ends up being a Top 5 pick. Teams like the 49ers, Titans and Bears could all take him in the Top 5. The top corner in this year's class, I don't see Lattimore falling out of the Top 8. His main concern is around a series of minor injuries.
Malik Hooker, S
Hooker might be even better than Lattimore as a prospect: his ball skills are off the charts for a free safety. He could go as early as No. 2, but there's a chance he slides just outside the Top 10 depending on how the draft breaks down. He needs some work on his tackling, but Hooker has the traits to be a great free safety.
Gareon Conley, CB
Lattimore is the No. 1 CB, but I've got Conley as the No. 2. He has a well-rounded game, with the ability to contribute as a slot CB for an NFL team. It's a loaded corner class, but I have a tough time seeing Conley fall outside of the first round. Don't be surprised if he's a Top 20 selection.
RELATED: 2017 NFL Mock Draft
2nd Round
Raekwon McMillan, LB
Concerns about his coverage ability were lessened after he tested very well at the Combine and McMillan won't make it out of round two. A top-heavy LB class means McMillan probably won't sneak into the first round, but there is a chance. I think he goes in Round two and starts early. Worst case, he ends up as a quality two-down thumper at LB.
Pat Elflein, OG/C
The second-best interior offensive lineman this year (behind Forrest Lamp), Elflein is the top center in this year's class. That should be enough to make him a second round pick and a Day 1 starter. Centers are often overlooked and undervalued, but Elflein could end up as one of the better Buckeyes from this draft class.
Curtis Samuel, WR/RB
I expect Samuel to go off the board in either the late second round or early third round. He'll likely be a slot receiver in the NFL, much like Percy Harvin. After an impressive Combine, a team will fall in love with Samuel's ability as a deadly weapon. If he's used right, he can be a game breaker.
4th Round
Noah Brown, WR
Brown would have been better off returning to OSU for another season. The upside is there, but he caught just 33 passes in his career. Another year of development and more production could have taken Brown from a Day 3 prospect to an early Day 2 one. Instead, he'll likely be taken during Round 4. If a team is willing to give Brown a year or two to develop, he could turn into a reliable contributor.
7th Round/UDFA
Corey Smith, WR
Cameron Johnston, P
Dontre' Wilson, WR
Of the players listed here, Smith has the highest upside, despite posting a poor 4.68 40 time at the OSU Pro Day. He's the most likely to be drafted, but being a non-factor the past two years means he likely signs as a UDFA. Johnston might be the most likely to make a roster, since he'll have the easier path as a punter.
Follow our Ohio State Buckeyes team page for all the latest Ohio State football news or download the Chat Sports App!
Back to the Ohio State Buckeyes Newsfeed