Buckeyes littered throughout CBS Sports' three-round mock draft

COLUMBUS — Now that Ohio State is the national champion and all eyes in Columbus look toward spring ball, numerous Buckeyes stars are now preparing for the NFL Scouting Combine in late February and the NFL Draft in late April.

Lettermen Row found the first three-round mock draft of the season, courtesy of CBS Sports’ Chad Reuter, and it’s littered with former Ohio State stars.

Reuter has 10 Ohio State players in the first three rounds of the draft, a staggering number for the national champs. Let’s break down all 10 of those selections.

LT Josh Simmons — No. 20 overall to Arizona Cardinals

The first Ohio State player off the board is Josh Simmons, who played the first six games of the year before tearing his ACL in October. He’ll be ready to go for whichever NFL team takes him, and Reuter has former Buckeyes offensive line coach Justin Frye reuniting with Simmons in Arizona; he’ll also have Ohio State great Paris Johnson as a starting tackle too.

Here’s Reuter’s reasoning for Simmons to Arizona:

Simmons has experience at both tackle spots and could potentially play inside to give the Cardinals their strongest five guys up front for Kyler Murray. Starting right tackle Jonah Williams missed all but six games this year and is a free agent in 2026, as well.

RB Quinshon Judkins — No. 21 overall to Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers are losing former first-round pick Najee Harris to free agency, so they need a running back. Judkins could be the answer, although it would be hard for Steelers fans to stomach seeing another first-round pick spent on a tailback.

Here’s Reuter’s reasoning for Judkins to Pittsburgh:

Judkins’ open-field burst, ability to read blocks and willingness to run through contact will make him a great fit for the Steelers — and he’s a nice outlet for quarterbacks out of the backfield. Remember, Najee Harris is headed for free agency. I’m projecting Pittsburgh will take a quarterback in Round 2.

WR Emeka Egbuka — No. 27 overall to Philadelphia Eagles (projected trade with Baltimore Ravens)

The national champion Eagles will always want more weapons to line up with wide receivers DeVonta Smith and AJ Brown, tight end Dallas Geodert and tailback Saquon Barkley. Egbuka could be a wonderful addition for Jalen Hurts to target in the post-title season.

Here’s Reuter’s reasoning for Egbuka to Philadelphia:

The Eagles often focus on the trenches early in drafts, but GM Howie Roseman did trade up for receiver DeVonta Smith four years ago. With the team’s depth at receiver lacking, Roseman swaps his third-round pick for the Ravens’ fourth-rounder — similar to what the Chiefs did last year to land Xavier Worthy — to grab a reliable playmaker in Egbuka.

DE J.T. Tuimoloau — No. 29 overall to Washington Commanders

The biggest surprise in the NFL this season, the Washington Commanders could use some help on the defensive line. Reuter has the Commanders taking Tuimoloau to beef up their defensive line as they push to take the Eagles down from their perch in the NFC East.

Here’s Reuter’s reasoning for Tuimoloau to Washington:

Tuimoloau will step into the Commanders’ starting lineup as a rookie, using his explosive burst and strong, active hands to play like a veteran from Day 1, just as he did with Ohio State.

Second-round picks

LT Donovan Jackson, 41st overall to Chicago Bears: The Bears desperately need to protect their quarterback, Caleb Williams — something they never did with Buckeyes legend Justin Fields. Jackson has the versatility to protect from any position, guard or tackle.

DT Tyleik Williams, 43rd overall to San Francisco 49ers: What a better interior defensive line addition for first-year defensive coordinator than Robert Saleh? Williams could become a star in the teeth of the 49ers defense.

DE Jack Sawyer, 53rd overall to Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Bucs won a Super Bowl a few years back behind a dominant defensive line. They know how to build in the defensive trenches. Sawyer helps them begin to get back to some dominance up front.

Third-round picks

RB TreVeyon Henderson, 77th overall to New England Patriots: The Patriots desperately need offensive firepower surrounding second-year quarterback and face of the franchise Drake Maye. Henderson has incredible speed to go with his burst into the open field — something New England could use now.

CB Denzel Burke, 83rd overall to Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers need a cornerback, and Burke would immediately enter the conversation for a starting role in the Pittsburgh defense after starting all four years of his Ohio State career.

SAF Lathan Ransom, 92nd overall to New York Jets: The Jets have started to like their Buckeyes players, already having tight end Jeremy Ruckert and wide receiver Garrett Wilson on their roster. Ransom would be a sneaky-good third-round selection.