Scarlet Sunrise: Wyatt Davis finally slotted in first-round mock draft

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Wyatt Davis finally slotted in first-round mock draft

Wyatt Davis seems to be an overlooked prospect heading into the NFL draft.

The former Ohio State guard, who was a two-time all-American and was named to the Big Ten 2010s All-Decade team last summer, is expected by many draft experts to slip out of the first round. But one NFL media member seems to think Davis could still become a first-round pick.

Connor Hughes, who covers the New York Jets for The Athletic, participated in the publication’s beat writer mock draft, which has the beat writers who cover each team make the draft selection. Hughes chose Davis with the No. 23 overall pick to the Jets. Why does he think Davis would be a good fit in New York? Part of that is here:

He’s arguably the best pure guard in the draft. He’ll be a Week 1 starter for New York, and hopefully for the next 10 years.

Davis has been overlooked for most of the pre-draft process. But he was finally slotted in the first round of a mock draft, a sign that he could be moving back into the first-round range — where he probably belongs.

Ohio State linebacker Dallas Gant out for spring with injury

An Ohio State projected starting linebacker is missing this spring with a foot injury.

Dallas Gant announced he’s sitting out spring practice but should be able to return to workouts this summer. He should be ready for preseason camp. The senior didn’t give specifics on his injury at his Thursday morning media availability, just provided the intel that he’s not participating in spring workouts.

This spring is major for the linebackers room. The Buckeyes will need to find replacements for all four starters from a year ago: Tuf Borland, Baron Browning, Pete Werner and Justin Hilliard.

Instead of taking a leadership role on the field, Gant will have to be a mentor from the sidelines. He expects to play middle linebacker in the fall after finding time there last year, particularly in the blowout win over Michigan State, in which he stepped in for Tuf Borland.

Without Gant on the field, the Buckeyes will need to adapt once again this spring. And when he is back on the field, Gant will have to make up the ground he’s missing this spring.

Buckeyes quarterback battle heating up

Ohio State needs to find a replacement for its Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Justin Fields, who is now off to the NFL. The Buckeyes have three options, and all are elite players.

Kyle McCord, C.J. Stroud and Jack Miller are all battling for the starting quarterback job. As Lettermen Row contributor Tim May explains, the battle to start at quarterback is just beginning for the Buckeyes:

The vibe that comes from the candidates is important, too. That is picked up over time, not just from hitting, say, Chris Olave or Garrett Wilson or Jeremy Ruckert dead in stride on one go route or deep out in the middle of one practice.

Stroud, Miller and McCord already have proven themselves capable as elite passers; they’re on campus and on scholarship, after all. But do they consistently exude leadership and resilience, for examples? Day, quarterbacks coach Corey Dennis and offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson are watching constantly for the “little” things.

For the full story, click here.

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