Ohio State football is one of the most successful at getting their players to the next level and the 2023 NFL draft should not be any different.
Multiple Buckeyes expect their name to be called early and some of them should be off teams’ boards during the first round of the draft.
The Athletic, like many other outlets, is constantly updating its mock drafts and just recently made its choices (subscription required). The Athletic is unique: It used its college football writers to make the selections based on their information.
Three Buckeyes were selected and you can find out below where each of them is projected to land along with my conclusion at the end.
No. 7 - Las Vegas Raiders select QB C.J. Stroud
CJ Stroud fitting the ball between 3 defenders.
Chiefs and Chargers got their guys now it's time to get ours. pic.twitter.com/plssuYSXr1
— Łunaticø (@LakeShow4Life9) February 15, 2023
Breakdown
It’s hard to understand why Will Levis would go ahead of Stroud in this scenario. The Buckeye was excellent over the last two years while the Wildcat quarterback was barely talked about as one of the best in the country. Just makes no sense to me why teams would have Levis ahead of Stroud on their draft boards.
No. 11 - Tennessee Titans select OT Paris Johnson Jr.
Outstanding protection by both Paris Johnson (#77) and Dawand Jones (#79) stifling initial rushes by UGA EDGEs and keeping their hands active for counters. Heck of a throw by Stroud too. pic.twitter.com/drSbSXEoDc
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) January 1, 2023
Breakdown
I can’t complain about this spot for the big left tackle. Johnson Jr. has been projected in this area, and the Titans would fill a need. The first tackle off the board is the correct move as well.
No. 22 - Baltimore Ravens select WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is DANGEROUS in the open field 😳
The Ohio State WR is currently projected to be taken in the first round of the NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/fyW1MwoNSX
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) February 12, 2023
Breakdown
Great landing spot for Smith-Njigba as long as Lamar Jackson is still his quarterback. Yes, he didn’t put any tape out there from this past season, but all you have to do is look back at what he did as a sophomore. This would be a steal for the Ravens if they can get Smith-Njigba at this point in the draft.
Final thoughts
With 7-foot-5 reach & light feet like this, how are rushers supposed to get around Ohio State’s Dawand Jones? We’ve had numerous NFL scouts tell us he’s a better version of Chiefs 4x Pro Bowler Orlando Brown Jr. (and we agree). Sounds like 1st rounder.#TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️ pic.twitter.com/vfS3zlhVvS
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) February 16, 2023
Breakdown
I’m still miffed about Levis going ahead of Stroud, just makes no sense to me at all. Those are great ranges for Johnson Jr. and Smith-Njigba to get picked. I am in the camp that Dawand Jones is going to squeeze himself into the back end of the first round. He dominated the Senior Bowl practice and even though Jones didn’t play in the game, created enough buzz to make an upward move.
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