We’re just two days away from the NFL draft.
As a huge fan of both college football and the NFL draft, I see it as a sort of graduation day for all the players who have thrilled us on Saturdays over the past few years (and possibly even five or six now due to COVID seasons).
Since you probably haven’t had your fill of predictions surrounding this event yet, I’m sharing my insights and making six forecasts focused on Ohio State players, with varying levels of boldness. Additionally, I’ve thrown in two unrelated draft predictions just for fun.
Admittedly, many of these predictions may turn out to be off-base, so feel free to poke fun at me and remind me to stick to my day job instead of aspiring to be an NFL analyst. However, you also have the opportunity to make your own predictions about Ohio State players for a chance to win a prize.
Bold Predictions
TreVeyon Henderson is the first Buckeye selected
This year’s draft lacks a clear frontrunner among Ohio State players, with various analysts favoring different athletes such as Emeka Egbuka, Josh Simmons, or even Donovan Jackson. I’m predicting that TreVeyon Henderson, a dynamic running back, will be the first Buckeye picked on Thursday night. His playmaking abilities have drawn significant interest from NFL teams, positioning him as a potential first-round pick. I suspect the Denver Broncos, in need of a running back, will select Henderson at No. 20, just ahead of Egbuka, who is likely to go somewhere between picks 21 and 29.
Josh Simmons falls to early second round
While Simmons was originally set to attend the draft in Green Bay, he later canceled for reasons unknown, which may indicate that his agent had warned him about his uncertain first-round prospects. Though Simmons has the talent of a first-round pick, concerns about his injury history and limited top-level experience could push him into the second round. With the possibility of teams prioritizing quarterbacks and making trades for late first-round picks, I believe Simmons will have a short wait on Friday but will still have a successful NFL career ahead of him.
Moderately Bold Predictions
Will Howard is selected in the third round
There’s a divide among NFL scouts regarding Howard, with some seeing him as a leader with NFL potential and others viewing him more modestly. However, all it takes is one team to be enamored by his charisma and performance during the College Football Playoff, potentially leading them to pick him higher than projected, in the third round, with hopes of him developing into a reliable starter or solid backup.
Ty Hamilton is picked earlier than expected
Initially viewed as a fifth-round hopeful, Hamilton’s impressive testing has boosted his stock. Teams will be eager for a solid run defender like him, which could see him selected in the third or fourth round instead.
Conservative Predictions
Ohio State matches Georgia for most players drafted in a single year
Most mock drafts suggest that 15 Ohio State players will be selected, which would tie the program with Georgia for the most players chosen in a single draft. It’s routine but likely to happen!
Emeka Egbuka is picked in the first round
Predicting Egbuka as a first-round selection isn’t breaking any new ground, but his skills and production from the slot will undoubtedly attract an NFL team looking to draft him late in the first round, potentially mirroring Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s career path.
Non-Ohio State Forecasts
Shedeur Sanders doesn’t crack the top 10
Despite having his number retired at Colorado, I’m skeptical about Sanders’ future in the NFL as scouts have mixed opinions. It seems he’s not likely to be selected within the top 10, as his struggles against tougher competition and the number of sacks taken could hinder his draft stock.
Some team selects Tyler Shough far too early
Every draft has its head-scratching selections, and for me, it’s the buzz surrounding Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough, who could be drafted in the late first or early second round. He’s had one effective college season over six years, and risking a high pick on him seems ill-advised, especially given his age compared to other rookie quarterbacks.
