Seven Buckeyes land in latest seven-round mock draft

COLUMBUS — Ohio State figures to be heavily involved in the first round of the NFL Draft, which is quietly just over a week away.

And with the latest mock drafts coming out, the Buckeyes have good reason to believe that plenty of their talents will be taken in the draft. Three of their biggest stars could be selected in the first round, and others will litter the following six rounds. That’s where The Athletic’s Dane Brugler has them slotted, after all, following his pre-draft homework and analysis.

Brugler released his seven-round mock draft on Monday morning, and Ohio State has a heavy presence in the first round, including at the second overall pick. Lettermen Row is recapping where Brugler has each of the seven former Buckeyes star landing — and why.

No. 2 overall — Houston Texans select Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud

It’s growing more and more likely, according to draft experts across the landscape, that Alabama quarterback Bryce Young will go No. 1 overall to the Carolina Panthers, leaving Stroud at No. 2 for the Houston Texans. But that’s not guarantee, per Brugler, who isn’t sure if the Texans like Stroud enough to take him with the second overall pick.

Here’s part of what Brugler said about Stroud:

I’m told there isn’t a unanimous belief among the Houston coaches that available quarterback will be worthy of this pick. At this point, I’m still leaning Stroud — if not to Houston, then probably to another team that comes up for him. But my final mock next week might have Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr., Texas Tech’s Tyree Wilson or a different quarterback here.

Dane Brugler, The Athletic

No. 13 overall — New York Jets select Buckeyes OT Paris Johnson Jr.

At one point in the pre-draft process, it looked like Paris Johnson was going to be a sure-thing top-10 pick in the NFL Draft. But recent mock drafts, including Brugler’s latest, has Johnson slipping down into the middle of the first round. He provided a little bit of reasoning as to why Johnson fits the Jets:

Johnson not only would provide immediate and playable depth at tackle, he also would give the franchise a long-term road map at the position.

Dane Brugler, The Athletic

No. 20 overall — Seattle Seahawks select WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba

One of the most dynamic weapons in Ohio State history, Jaxon Smith-Njigba will certainly be a first-round pick, even after sitting for most of the 2022 season with a hamstring injury. He might have been an even higher selection had the injury not occurred, but Brugler still sees Smith-Njigba has an immediate impact player.

Here’s why:

Smith-Njigba would give the Seahawks something they don’t currently have: a third receiving option that scares opposing defenses. It will be very interesting to see where the first pass catcher is drafted in Round 1. This receiver class isn’t top-heavy, and around the league there are far more prospects with second-round grades than first-round.

Dane Brugler, The Athletic

No. 49 overall — Pittsburgh Steelers select OT Dawand Jones

After an impressive Senior Bowl performance early in the draft process, Dawand Jones was thought of as a potential first-round selection. But following no workouts at Ohio State Pro Day and the NFL Combine, experts are slotting Jones into the second round as one of the main second-tier tackle prospects available. He’ll have a chance to make an immediate impact on a Steelers offensive line that needs help on the edge.

No. 68 overall — Denver Broncos select DE Zach Harrison

The Broncos have found success with Ohio State defensive line products in the past, most notably with DreMont Jones, Jonathon Cooper and Baron Browning. Zach Harrison will be the latest Buckeyes edge rusher to join Denver, according to Brugler. Harrison still has room to grow as a pass-rusher. He could unlock his full potential in the Broncos system.

No. 133 overall — Chicago Bears select OC Luke Wypler

Justin Fields needs help at nearly every level of the offense. The Chicago Bears plan to give that help to their franchise quarterback, especially with the potential addition of Luke Wypler, who started two years at center for Ohio State. Although Wypler didn’t snap to Fields at Ohio State, they already know each other and could form instant chemistry between center and quarterback.

No. 218 overall — Chicago Bears select SAF Ronnie Hickman

Another Ohio State product in the Windy City: why not? Brugler has Ronnie Hickman going from the Buckeyes defense to the Bears with a seventh-round selection. He’ll have to work hard to make the Bears roster.