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Our friends at The Draft Network do a phenomenal job of providing us with the most up-to-date NFL mock drafts with an extremely knowledgeable explanation behind each pick. As these mock drafts get updated throughout the season, we here at Buckeyes Wire will keep a close eye on the movements of the eligible Ohio State prospects.
The Buckeyes funnel a ton of talent into the NFL and the 2023 NFL Draft maybe even more loaded with Ohio State prospects than most due to the insane talent on the offensive side of the football. It’s time to dive into the latest first-round mock from Kyle Crabbs and the Ohio State prospects he has being selected.
No. 1 overall: Carolina Panthers - C.J. Stroud, QB
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What Crabbs Says
“The Panthers finally get their long-waited choice at quarterback. Sure, they’ve invested a lot in the position, but this is the first time the team has actually gotten the pick of the litter. I expect owner David Tepper and the new coaching staff to eventually land on the most productive big-name player at the position. To this point in the season, that is CJ Stroud. Stroud doesn’t necessarily have the best individual traits, but he’s got good skills across the board and the Panthers’ offensive structure should be able to support him quickly.”
C.J. Stroud throws a 19-yard TD to Marvin Harrison Jr. who makes an UNBELIEVABLE catch! #Buckeyes up 42-13 pic.twitter.com/HyquwEJfXF
— The Buckeye Nut (@TheBuckeyeNut) October 8, 2022
No. 8 overall: Arizona Cardinals - Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR
![](https://buckeyeswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2022/10/USATSI_19112808-4.jpg)
What Crabbs Says
“The Cardinals need wide receiver help, period. They’ve got other needs too, but the absence of Jaxon Smith-Njigba this season for the Ohio State offense allows a “BPA” to fall into Arizona’s lap. Kyler Murray surely will love this third addition alongside DeAndre Hopkins and Hollywood Brown on the perimeter.”
We are Jaxon Smith-Njigba days away from the start of Ohio State's 2022 championship season! 🅾️🌰 pic.twitter.com/vYlE3pl50p
— 🅾️BuckeyeUpdates🌰 (@Buckeyeslife247) August 23, 2022
No. 23 overall: Los Angeles Chargers - Paris Johnson Jr., OT
![](https://buckeyeswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2022/10/USATSI_19114469-3.jpg)
What Crabbs Says
“The Chargers have worrisome situations at both tackle spots but one of those spots will get resolved with the return of injured Rashawn Slater next season. The other tackle spot? Well, that’s up for debate. And that’s why I’m targeting Paris Johnson Jr. in this NFL mock draft, who played on the right side of the line before transitioning to left tackle this season for the Buckeyes.”
#Buckeyes OT Paris Johnson Jr. has an anchor that could hold a small boat to the sea floor in a big storm 💪
Is the Ohio State standout be the OT1 of the ‘23 #NFLDraft class?
CFB Live Blog: https://t.co/hXJg4VxML9
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) September 25, 2022
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