With the NFL draft right on schedule, and the top Ohio State draft prospects will have new teams in about two weeks.
Ohio State was tied for second-most players invited to the NFL combine, behind LSU. The Buckeyes are guaranteed to be well represented in the 2020 draft.
Two of Ohio State’s top prospects are expected to go in the first few picks. Many others will sprinkle in throughout the following rounds. Eleven players were invited to the combine, but as many as fourteen are draftable.
Below are Ohio State’s top prospects, along with the teams that are likely to draft them.
The rankings used here are from Dane Brugler’s draft guide on The Athletic. All of the Buckeyes listed are in Brugler’s top 100
Potential Landing Spots for Ohio State Draft Prospects
Chase Young: #1 Overall, DE1
Potential landing spots: Redskins, Lions, Giants
According to most scouts and analysts, Chase Young is the best player in the draft. However, most agree that he won’t be the first overall pick.
Because of the value of the quarterback position, Young may drop all the way to third or fourth overall. But he will still be the first non-quarterback off the board. Four of the first five teams have a need at defensive end, so Young won’t fall far.
The only scenario where Young isn’t drafted second overall by the Redskins is if someone else trades up for a quarterback.
Jeffrey Okudah: #3 Overall, CB1
Potential landing spots: Lions, Panthers, Jaguars
Jeffrey Okudah is the best cornerback in the class, and will go early. While he is frequently mocked to go to the Lions, there remains the possibility of a trade down. The Panthers are picking seventh, so Matt Rhule might want a lockdown corner for his new defense. If he falls to ninth overall, the Jaguars would love to take him there.
J.K. Dobbins: #20 Overall, RB1
Potential landing spots: Buccaneers, Chiefs, Chargers
Brugler has J.K. Dobbins over Jonathan Taylor, who is only the third-best running back on his draft board. Despite his high ranking, though, there is not much of a need or value at the running back position. The earliest he could go would be to the Buccaneers at 14thoverall. The Chiefs might look for an upgrade at the position with the last pick of the first round. If he falls to the second round, Anthony Lynn would love to scoop him up with the Chargers’ 37thoverall pick.
Damon Arnette: #69 Overall, CB9
Potential landing spots: Vikings, Redskins, Lions
While Damon Arnette is not the prospect that Okudah is, he is still a starting caliber cornerback in the NFL. The Vikings lost their top three cornerbacks in free agency, so they could grab him with their 58thoverall pick. He could join Young in Ron Rivera’s defense in Washington at 66. If the Lions miss out on Okudah, they could get him at 67thoverall.
Malik Harrison: #72 Overall, LB8
Potential landing spots: Panthers, Cardinals, Browns
Malik Harrison is a developmental piece that will have to play some special teams before he starts. He is ranked as potentially a round two player, but he realistically will stick around until the third. The Panthers at 69thoverall, and could pluck him for their rebuilding defense. The Cardinals, who are at 72ndoverall, need some linebacker depth. The Browns also need some after free agency, so they are a clear choice at 74th.
Davon Hamilton: #93 Overall, DT10
Potential landing spots: Colts, Falcons, Cowboys
Columbus native Davon Hamilton could be inserted into a defensive line rotation and see serious playing time as a rookie. Hamilton looks to be one of the many Buckeyes’ defensive linemen in the NFL. The Colts might nab him at 75thoverall, the Falcons at 78th, or Cowboys at 82nd.
K.J. Hill: #97 Overall, WR15
Potential landing spots: Cowboys, Patriots, Saints
A favorite target for both Dwayne Haskins and Justin Fields, K.J. Hill will make a pro quarterback very happy. The Cowboys and the Patriots would be a great landing spot for Hill, as they are both teams that maximize production out of the slot. The Pariots also have three picks in the third round, so they have several chances to get him. The Saints would be another great team; lining him up across from former teammate Michael Thomas and pairing him with Drew Brees would be a dream scenario.
