Scarlet Sunrise: Where do former Ohio State stars fall in Todd McShay's latest mock draft?

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Where do former Ohio State stars fall in Todd McShay’s latest mock draft?

For the most part, it’s the same three former Ohio State players who keep popping up in the first round of 2023 mock drafts: quarterback C.J. Stroud, offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. That’s true for ESPN NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay’s latest projection, too.

What’s interesting, however, is where McShay has the trio falling and, in Stroud’s case, how.

QB C.J. Stroud – Houston Texans, No. 2 overall

McShay has the Indianapolis Colts trading for the Chicago Bears’ No. 1 overall pick. That allows the Bears, who already have a quarterback in Justin Fields, to move back and collect assets. Meanwhile, the Colts get their signal caller of the future after cycling through veterans behind center since Andrew Luck’s surprise retirement. McShay projects Alabama’s Bryce Young to the Colts. That puts the QB-needy Houston Texans on the clock with Stroud still available. That’s where McShay thinks they go.

OT Paris Johnson Jr. – Tennessee Titans, No. 11 overall

The Buckeyes have a chance to boast two top-10 picks for the second time in four years. They barely miss out on that milestone in this projection, though. McShay has Johnson going to the Tennessee Titans at No. 11 overall. That would reunite him with former teammate and current Titans offensive tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere. Tennessee allowed 49 sacks last year, which was tied for the fifth most in the league in 2022. Johnson didn’t give up a sack his first 11 starts at left tackle this past season, en route to consensus first-team All-American honors. He also started a full season at right guard in 2021.

WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba – Jacksonville Jaguars, No. 24 overall

McShay has been lower on Smith-Njigba than others the last few months. He stressed in this projection that JSN “is a tough evaluation” because his nagging hamstring injury forced him to miss practically the entire 2022 season. But McShay also noted that the slot wideout could be a steal for the Jacksonville Jaguars if he slides all the way to No. 24 overall. Smith-Njigba turned heads in 2021, especially when he popped off for an all-bowl record 347 receiving yards and three touchdowns in that season’s Rose Bowl. If healthy, Smith-Njigba would make an already much-improved Jags receiving corps more daunting.

Buckeyes cancel future home-and-home series with Washington

Ohio State has canceled its home-and-home series with Washington for 2024-25. The Buckeyes will now need to find an additional opponent for their 2024 schedule, as well as their 2025 slate.

“We initiated the cancellation,” Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said in a statement. “I have the utmost respect for the University of Washington and for Director of Athletics Jennifer Cohen, and this was a very difficult call to make.

“Consistent with terms of the contract, we will be responsible for the $500,000 cancellation penalty that has to be paid by February 2025. As a result of the cancellation, we will add an eighth home game for the 2024 season, affording us the opportunity to have the funding to pay the penalty and guarantee for that eighth opponent.”

For the full story and look at the Buckeyes’ upcoming schedules, go here.

Picking three Ohio State veterans who must take another step forward in offseason

Spencer Holbrook and Andy Backstrom are back to talk more Ohio State football ahead of the spring season. This week, the Lettermen Row crew tackles another important question: Which veterans need to step up in 2023?

Spencer and Andy give their picks and explain what’s in front of those players this offseason and, ultimately, next fall.

Don’t miss the latest Offseason Report, presented by Byers Auto, which can be found on YouTube every Wednesday during the offseason.

Counting down

Buckeyes vs. Indiana: 198 days

Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 282 days

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