Scarlet Sunrise: Cleveland Browns pick up where they left off in NFL Draft, selecting Buckeyes
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Cleveland Browns pick up where they left off in NFL Draft, selecting Buckeyes
The Cleveland Browns have now selected three former Ohio State players in the span of their last seven NFL Draft picks, dating back to last year.
Without a first-round pick this time around, the Browns made their first call at No. 54 overall in the second round. They gave Mike Hall a ring.
Hall, who flashed high-ceiling potential as interior pass rusher but battled injuries and consistency issues with the Buckeyes, became the latest prize for general manager Andrew Berry and two-time AP NFL Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski.
Cleveland is taking a risk on Hall. He started only 12 games across three years, after all, and despite ranking third among all Ohio State defenders with 29 pressures generated in 2023, per Pro Football Focus, he posted just 2.0 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks last season.
But the Browns took a risk on fellow Ohio State product Dawand Jones last year, and the pick paid off. Even though season-ending knee surgery halted what had been an impressive rookie year, Jones exceeded expectations set by his fourth-round draft standing. A starter since Week 2 last season, the 6-foot-8, 374-pound Jones allowed only three sacks and 21 total pressures in 419 pass blocking snaps, according to PFF.
Two rounds after the Browns took their swing on Jones, they scooped up another former Ohio State offensive lineman, Luke Wypler. Although Wypler declared a year earlier than the Buckeyes expected, the two-year starter got his chance with an NFL team. While he didn’t get the same kind of run Jones did, he started the final game of the regular season — as the Browns rested up for the playoffs — and he he held his own in 53 snaps at right guard.
Cleveland notably signed Ronnie Hickman and Tanner McCalister, both former Buckeyes safeties, as undrafted free agents last year. Hickman wound up making the 53-man roster after a head-turning preseason that saw him pick off three passes. Meanwhile, McCalister signed with the Browns’ practice squad, although he’s now with the Denver Broncos.
But going back to Hickman, he started four games last season and recorded 25 total tackles, three pass deflections and his first career pick-six in a Week 17 win over the New York Jets.
Remember, the Browns also took former Ohio State defensive tackle Tommy Togiai in the fourth round of the 2021 draft. Three years before that, they selected former Ohio State cornerback Denzel Ward with the No. 4 overall pick.
Cleveland hasn’t been hesitating to draft stars from nearby Columbus the last half decade but especially of late.
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- Ohio State defensive tackle Mike Hall selected No. 54 overall by Cleveland Browns
- Instant Reaction: What experts are saying about Cleveland Browns drafting Mike Hall
Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate throws out first pitch at White Sox game
Ohio State sophomore wide receiver Carnell Tate threw out a ceremonial first pitch ahead of the White Sox-Rays game.
In the midst of a miserable start to the 2024 MLB season, Chicago actually beat Tampa Bay Friday, improving to 4-22 on the season.
Tate, a Chicago native who started his high school career at Marist High School, is entering a promising Year 2 with the Buckeyes after catching 18 passes for 264 yards and a touchdown during his true freshman campaign.
Arizona Cardinals know what they’re getting in ‘all-business’ Marvin Harrison Jr.
The Arizona Cardinals know what they’re getting in an “all-business” Marvin Harrison Jr. General manager Monti Ossenfort didn’t think twice at No. 4 overall.
“Marvin has a plan on why he’s been as successful as he is thus far and why we believe he’s going to continue to ascend,” Ossenfort said.
For the full story, head on over here.
Buckeyes littered through too-early 2025 mock drafts
Ohio State has had only two players selected in the first two rounds of this year’s NFL Draft. But that’s because 11 draft-eligible and starter-level Buckeyes standouts returned this offseason.
Next year, Ohio State could make history in the draft.
That’s already being hinted at in too-early 2025 mock drafts.
Check it out here.
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Buckeyes vs. Akron: 128 days
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