Todd McShay reveals which Ohio State player can boost draft stock in Rose Bowl

With so many players headed to the NFL draft opting out of playing in their respective bowl games, it leaves a void in many teams’ game plans. However, for those who are still playing, it gives them an opportunity to increase their draft stock. And according to ESPN’s Todd McShay, there is one Ohio State player who stands to benefit from the bowl game opt-outs.

The Buckeyes top two receivers in Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, have both elected to sit out The Rose Bowl against the Utah Utes. And with those two out, McShay sees another pass catcher stepping up in their absence:

“I’ll go with Jeremy Ruckert to tight end from Ohio State. We know that Garrett Wilson’s out, the top receiver, and then the second receiver Chris Olave as well; can actually flip flop them either way, depending on the game. But Ruckert only has 23 catches on the season. What I love about this guy, in today’s NFL where you want to have versatility, he can play in line, he can play as a move blocker, and in the passing game he’s not going to run a great 40 — he doesn’t have that elite speed — but he’s just sensational route runner. And I think he has the best ball skills of any tight end in this class. I’ve got him in that day 2 range, talking second or third round. I think there’s gonna be a good opportunity for him against that Utah defense.”

McShay has Ruckert ranked as the fourth-best tight end in the 2022 NFL draft and the 77th best player overall.

Ohio State’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba sets multiple records

With an entire quarter still to play, Smith-Njigba had ten receptions and 257 yards along with two touchdowns. Despite the incredible performance, Ohio State still trailed Utah 38-31 entering the fourth quarter. The deficit meant more opportunities were coming towards Smith-Njigba to continue his record night.

With his total still able to climb, Smith-Njigba shattered the previous Ohio State bowl receiving record set by Cris Carter. Carter had 172 yards in the 1985 Rose Bowl. After passing Carter’s record, Smith-Njigba pushed past the Rose Bowl receiving record and now holds the record for the most yards receiving in the storied Rose Bowl’s history.

Smith-Njigba also broke another pair of Ohio State team records during the game, surpassing David Boston’s 1998 season total of 1,435 yards. He also surpassed Terry Glenn’s individual game record of 253 yards receiving that he set in 1995.

Despite already crushing multiple records, Smith-Njigba broke another as the fourth quarter began. Parris Campbell’s single-season receptions record of 90 catches was broken as well, as Smith-Njigba caught his 11th pass of the game and neared 300 yards.

Earlier in the season, the young star broke a team record for single-game receptions with `15 catches against Nebraska. While it was still early in the season, Smith-Njigba’s explosiveness was on full display even then. At this point, a new part of watching Ohio State games will involve watching how many more records Smith-Njigba will be able to break.

Ohio State’s defense stiffened up in the second half of the Rose Bowl to bring their deficit down after a slow start. Smith-Njigba might have to keep his record-setting pace if they intend to win their season finale.

On3’s Austin Brezina also contributed to this report.