Former Buckeyes beginning to rise in latest mock draft from The Athletic

COLUMBUS — Ohio State doesn’t have the depth of NFL Draftees that its used to having this spring.

Most of the draft-eligible Buckeyes decided to return to the program for another push for a national title. And at one point, it appeared that Marvin Harrison Jr. could be the only top draft choice from Ohio State this spring — but that seems to be changing.

The Athletic’s Nick Bumgardner released his latest three-round mock draft, and four of the nine draft-eligible Buckeyes showed up in his top 100 picks, a surprising but good development for a lighter Ohio State draft class.

Let’s take a look at where Bumgardner has the four Buckeyes prospects flying off the board:

Marvin Harrison Jr. — 5th overall to the Atlanta Falcons

The mock draft from Bumgardner has quarterbacks flying off the board — four with the first four picks of the draft. And then Bumgardner has the Los Angeles Chargers trading back — allowing the Atlanta Falcons to come into the first round and grab the best non-quarterback available in the draft.

Here’s why Bumgardner believes Harrison could land with the Falcons despite all of their skill talent already assembled:

The Falcons got off the pot and spent big to pair an experienced (and aging) Kirk Cousins with a young, talented roster. Why not be aggressive here and get Cousins the best non-QB in the draft?

Nick Bumgerdner, The Athletic

The buzz surrounding other wide receivers is still growing louder and louder, but Harrison is a no-brainer pick. He’ll go in the top five, and Bumgardner believes the Falcons will grab him with the fifth pick.

Mike Hall Jr. — 64th overall (second round) to the Kansas City Chiefs

What a landing spot this would be for Mike Hall Jr. The back-to-back Super Bowl champs just signed five-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Chris Jones to a historic extension, making him the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history. Now they need to surround the 29-year-old Jones with young talent. Hall is just that; he wowed at his Pro Day after an impressive two years — when he was healthy — at Ohio State. Hall would be a plug-and-play defensive tackle alongside Jones and give the Chiefs a young talent to line up beside their long-time superstar.

Tommy Eichenberg — 67th overall (third round) to the Washington Commanders

Another mock draft, another prediction for Tommy Eichenberg to land with the Washington Commanders. Washington needs linebacker help, and Eichenberg is a sturdy force who could help the Commanders become a better defense under first-year head coach Dan Quinn, who loves his hard-nosed linebackers in his famous defense — and the Washington defense currently lacks any good linebackers. Eichenberg can certainly step in and become an instant contributor for a team that should have a new coach, rookie quarterback and talented core to build around. This would be a good landing spot for the former Buckeyes captain.

Cade Stover — 76th overall (third round) to the Denver Broncos

The NFL has made playing tight end cool again, especially in the AFC West. Of course, the best example is Travis Kelce with the Kansas City Chiefs. Darren Waller’s run with the Las Vegas Raiders a couple of years ago was another example. Could the Broncos try finding their next star tight end? If so, they’d target Cade Stover. Yes, the Broncos have Greg Dulcich and Adam Trautman, but Stover could be the perfect blend of blocking and receiving threat — which could unlock a new layer of a retooled offense now that Russell Wilson is out as starting quarterback. This mock draft from Bumgardner also has the Broncos grabbing former Oregon quarterback Bo Nix in the first round, so Stover and Nix might be a good connection to build with in Denver.

Other Buckeyes in the NFL Draft

WR Xavier Johnson
OL Matt Jones
RB Miyan Williams
LB Steele Chambers
SAF Josh Proctor