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A Way-Too-Early Look at the Ohio State 2024 NFL Draft Prospects

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Ever since the NFL Draft started way back in 1936, at least one Ohio State alumnus was selected, except for in 1998. Even before the season kicks off, the draft experts have already begun to look at the Ohio State 2024 NFL Draft prospects. From a generational receiver to entrenched veterans, the Buckeyes have NFL talent up and down the roster. Whether or not they can take advantage will be another story. We’ve seen quite possibly the best Ohio State draft class come and go without so much as a B1G Title (2015-16).

Just for posterity, the current record for most first-round picks in a single draft is six with Alabama (2021) and Miami (FL) (2004) sharing the honor. Since the draft condensed to seven rounds in 1994, Georgia’s 2022 class owns the mark for most in a single draft with 15. The Buckeyes own the mark with the most first-round picks of all time with 90.

The Ohio State 2024 NFL Draft Class: What the Experts Are Saying

This compilation is not personal rankings or hope. Instead, it is a consensus from numerous accounts. It should be stated that this is incredibly early on in the process. So, while some of these players are generating hype, this is by no means law.

First Rounders

This could be a record-breaking haul from the Buckeyes. However, as of now, there are six Ohio State 2024 NFL Draft first-rounders. Harrison, Jr. is described as a generational talent by most analysts. He has almost no flaws in his game. In addition to massive draft hype, Harrison is garnering plenty of Heisman Trophy expectations. At the same time, his WR2 is Egbuka. Despite the massive shadow cast by Harrison, Jr., Egbuka has shown that he could be a top-10 pick. Last year, he turned 74 receptions into 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Thus far, Tuimoloau has shown that his ceiling is incredibly high. Ohio State’s win over Penn State could be solely attributed to Tuimoloau’s play. The NFL sees his ability but he will want to be a bit more consistent with his play. At the same time, the inclusion of Burke is a surprise. While he has played a ridiculous 1,260 snaps for the Buckeyes, he has been all over the place. There are some points where Burke looks like a shut-down corner. At other times, he is getting to know the back of his opponent’s jersey.

Rounding out the back end of the first round at guard, Jackson looked like he was going to be the next great Buckeye offensive lineman. With another solid year, he very well could be. He’s currently looked at as the third-best interior lineman. He does a great job combining leverage and length inside. He will be one to look for as the Buckeyes have to rebuild their offensive line. Finally, 2023 could be a massive year for Hall, Jr. He’s an adept pass-rusher from the defensive tackle position and is considered the second-best interior defender. He amassed 16 pressures, seven hurries, four quarterback hits, and five sacks.

Day-Two Selections

Here, we have a few players who could play their way into the first round. The first of which is easily Sawyer. The highly-touted EDGE has not done much outside of his dominant Spring Game two years ago. Whether it is skill or usage, Sawyer has not been up to his five-star rating. This year, Jim Knowles is set to use him as a more traditional hand-in-the-dirt edge rusher as compared to a ‘tweener linebacker. Expect a step forward for Sawyer.

Being a running back in today’s NFL is unlike anything we’ve seen. Teams rarely want to use premium picks on the position and often cut bait as soon as they become a tad expensive. Henderson, while he’s entering a loaded running back class, can be a team’s answer after getting rid of their expensive back. He was hampered by a nagging injury last year. When healthy, he has the talent to be explosive and will be well worth the pick.

Williams will be an interesting one to watch. He’s another pass-rushing tackle behind Hall and has flashed over the last two years. However, he’s also been off the field during crucial situations. Is it coaching? Is it conditioning? Either way, Williams has a shot to take a step and make some serious money. Finally, “Tommy Two Thumbs”. Last year, Eichenberg broke out in a massive way and earned numerous accolades. He’s on this year’s preseason watch lists and is set to lead this year’s defense at linebacker.

Late-Round Targets

History could be made at the back end of the draft but it just goes to show the depth of this team. Williams has generated NFL hype over the last few years. At no point has he been “the guy” but rather he’s been the guy filling in for “the guy.” Even then, he makes the most of every chance he gets. Stover has been a fun story. He’s bounced from offense to defense back to offense and has become an actual part of the offense. Among the Ohio State 2024 NFL Draft prospects, Stover is generating a lot of underground hype.

Both veteran safeties have a little work to do this year. Both Ransom and Proctor have shown flashes of who they can be. Between Ransom’s interception in the end zone against Clemson to Proctor’s massive hit ability, these two have high ceilings. Chambers is another offense-to-defense convert. He’s stepped up in a massive way at linebacker and his above-average athleticism has helped the Buckeyes’ defense on numerous occasions.

Finally, McCord. This projection is not going to stick. If McCord wins the quarterback battle, he has the ability and weapons to put up the numbers and rise on draft boards. If he loses the battle, he will likely go undrafted or transfer out after the year.

Players Who Need Some Work

You could list each and every Ohio State 2024 NFL Draft-eligible player here but there is no point focusing on those not slated to start. Carter is the new face in town and is expected to take over at free safety. He was the first of a few massive additions via the Transfer Portal. Fleming was an incredibly highly-rated receiver coming out of high school. He has the opportunity to capitalize on playing with two first-round teammates and finally make a name for himself in 2023.

Hamilton is that other interior defender to go with Williams and Hall, Jr. Statistically, Hamilton has not been the most impressive thus far. However, his impact as a leader and gumming up the interior opens up opportunities for the rest of the defense.

One of the two returning offensive linemen, Jones has a little work to do. He’s a solid guard and will likely get more attention as the year goes on. Jones did not allow a single sack last year in 658 snaps. Finally, Hancock is a bit of a projection at this point. He has appeared in 19 games over his two years in the program, mostly in relief. Hancock is currently projected to start at corner opposite Burke. With the addition of Davison Igbinosun, both Burke and Hancock will have to up their games.

Photo Credit: Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

The post A Way-Too-Early Look at the Ohio State 2024 NFL Draft Prospects appeared first on Last Word on College Football.