Ohio State football has become like a gridiron version of the Kentucky Wildcats, at least in regards to the draft, these days. We’ve seen plenty of Buckeyes “succeed and proceed” lately, leaving school early with eligibility still on the table in order to cash in. American online bookmakers are handicapping the first player selected in the NFL draft race, and one Ohio State player, DL Nick Bosa, has very favorable odds.
Let’s take a look at what 2018 Ohio State football players, underclassmen or other wise, could be drafted in the first round come April.
Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
Bosa is elite all around just like his brother (Joey, picked 3rd overall by the Chargers in 2016) and he might end up being even better someday given his elite skill set. The best casinos online with odds on the NFL Draft #1 overall selection are backing Bosa mightily and it’s easy to understand why. Just ask anybody who has ever played against him.
“He’s a force,” said Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Luke Timian.
“He’s a technician at what he does,” added teammate Dre’Mont Jones.
Bosa made the right call to leave school early to work on his injury rehabilitation/combine preparations. There is no question about that. In the future we should expect more players to follow suit.
Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State
“What jumps out is his poise, his accuracy and his understanding of the offense,” Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald said of Haskins as the Big Ten title game approached. “He does a phenomenal job of taking what the defense gives him. If I had a Heisman Trophy ballot, I would vote for him. I’ve already voted him the Big Ten (Offensive) Player of the Year. He is a phenomenal, phenomenal football player. He uses all of his weapons.”
Haskins entered championship week fifth nationally in pass efficiency rating, third in yards per game and first in touchdown passes with 42, versus just seven interceptions. He also broke the Big Ten season records for passing yards and TDs. Both records had belonged to former Purdue QBs.
The aforementioned 42 TDs surpassed Drew Brees’ 39, accomplished in 1998, and his 4,081 yards passing eclipsed Curtis Painter’s 3,985, set in 2006.
Haskins, as expected, won Big Ten MVP.
Parris Campbell, WR, Ohio State
No doubt scrimmaging against a blue chipper like Denzel Ward everyday in practice last year helped prep this guy for the next level. Campbell has (insert every cliche about speed possible here.)
You’ll see him crush it at the combine, and then become an instant contributor in two phases, offense and special teams.
“One of the fastest people I have ever seen run, that’s what makes him elite,” said Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Luke Timian.
Dre’Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State
Jones has the option to come back for another year of school, but he’s had the kind of campaign that this should be his final season in Columbus.
At the start of the season, he discussed what he’s working on this year to improve his draft stock: “My goal is to be more stout against the run, and I don’t want to be known as a one-dimensional player.”
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, regularly appears as a guest pundit on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
He also contributes sociopolitical essays to Lineups.com and Chicago Now. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram. The content of his cat’s Instagram account is unquestionably superior to his.