Ohio State tight end Jeremy Ruckert to miss NFL Scouting Combine

When the NFL Scouting Combine gets started this weekend, one former Ohio State star will be missing.

Tight end Jeremy Ruckert won’t participate in the combine in Indianapolis due to a minor foot injury, according to The Athletic’s Dane Brugler. Instead, he’ll do his full workout on Ohio State’s pro day later this offseason.

Ruckert played in 11 games for the Buckeyes in 2021 and had 26 receptions for 309 yards and three touchdowns. It was by far the biggest season of his career and it set him up for potential NFL looks ahead of the draft, which is coming up in April. Last month, ESPN analyst Todd McShay listed Ruckert as his No. 5 tight end available in this year’s draft.

During his four years in Columbus, Ruckert had 615 total yards and 12 touchdowns on 54 receptions. He’s hoping to join two former Ohio State star receivers — Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave — as NFL Draft picks in April.

The NFL Combine runs March 1-7 in Indianapolis.

Mel Kiper explains why New Orleans is perfect fit for Ohio State standout Garrett Wilson in updated mock draft

ESPN NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper released his second mock draft on Tuesday morning. Kiper included some trades within the first round, leading to some surprises. Ohio State wide receiver Garrett Wilson went 14th overall in Kiper’s mock draft to the New Orleans Saints.

Not only did the Saints select Wilson, but they traded up to get him in Kiper’s projected draft. He is the second receiver off of the board, and to Kiper, he makes a lot of sense for the Saints in the first round.

“There are many questions around the post-Sean Payton era for the Saints, but it’s clear that the team has to add more weapons around whomever plays quarterback in 2022,” Kiper said. “Michael Thomas should be back after missing all of last season, and he could use a wideout to take some pressure off him. Wilson has the versatility to play in the slot or outside, and he can pile on yards after the catch. He had 113 catches and 18 touchdowns for the Buckeyes over the past two seasons.”

Wilson is coming off of the best season of his three-year collegiate career at Ohio State. He caught 70 passes for 1,058 yards and 12 touchdowns, also adding a rushing touchdown. Wilson also did so while playing alongside a three-headed monster in Ohio State’s receiving room.

Star wideout Michael Thomas missed last season for the Saints with an injury. The passing offense is in desperate need of more playmakers, and Wilson could be a nice addition in the draft.