Scarlet Sunrise: Ohio State 2024 NFL Draft prospects considered at top of their positions

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Ohio State 2024 NFL Draft prospects considered at top of their positions

The 2024 NFL Draft is a ways away. But that doesn’t mean the analysis is far out. It’s happening now, actually, and the projections are especially relevant to Ohio State, which might just produce its most prolific draft class in program history this time around.

Earlier this offseason, the Buckeyes were projected to have six players picked in the first round of next year’s draft. That would tie Alabama (2020 season, 2021 draft) and Miami (2003 season, 2004 draft) for the most first-round selections in a single draft.

ESPN NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller examined the 2024 prospects who are jockeying for the top spot at their respective positions and picked the current leaders.

Four different Ohio State players were included in the conversation: running back TreVeyon Henderson, safety Lathan Ransom and wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka.

Each of those four Buckeyes playmakers were listed in the top-two at their respective positions, but Harrison was the lone “current leader” selection.

According to Miller…

Henderson is up against Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen:

“Henderson will have competition in his own backfield, though, with Miyan Williams sharing touches. Allen, meanwhile, will be the focal point of new coach Luke Fickell’s offense in Madison.”

Matt Miller, ESPN NFL Draft analyst

Ransom is up against USC safety Calen Bullock:

“Bullock will be tested by Ransom, though. At 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, he has the size and strength to hang with tight ends and monitor the middle of the field. … Both are talented, but Bullock is among the most talked-about players in the country right now among scouts and agents, so he has the edge.”

Matt Miller, ESPN NFL Draft analsyt

Egbuka is up against fellow Ohio State wideout Harrison:

“Egbuka has played in the shadows of greats like Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson and Jaxon Smith-Njigba but showed in last year’s College Football Playoff when Harrison was injured that he’s capable of being a WR1. His route running stands out, and he’s among the best deep threats in the class.

“Harrison, though, is different. The 6-foot-4, 205-pound superstar caught 14 touchdowns on 77 passes last year while looking like a mix between Randy Moss and A.J. Green. He shows fantastic body control and reliable hands.”

Matt Miller, ESPN NFL Draft analyst

How they got here: Mapping out career path of each Buckeyes linebacker so far

For Lettermen Row “Linebackers Week,” we unpacked the entire Ohio State linebacker corps, breaking down how each Buckeyes linebacker reached this point of his career.

It’s a position group that’s spearheaded by a pair of fifth years but also includes an assortment of young, highly-touted players who are looking for ways to earn defensive snaps in a two-linebacker system.

Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers both had an unconventional rise to prominence in the second level. Time will tell if a similar path will be taken by up-and-coming defensive stalwarts, such as sophomore linebacker C.J. Hicks, who is expected to play the hybrid “JACK” position this fall.

Check out our latest “how they got here” piece here.

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• Tale of the Tape: Knowing the basics of Buckeyes linebackers

Intel on three Ohio State targets who recently announced commitment dates

Ohio State currently has the No. 2 recruiting class in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, and the Buckeyes still have some work to do on building out their defensive haul.

Following the commitment of five-star Chicago (Ill) St. Ignatius defensive lineman Justin Scott, Ohio State is hoping to get a few more splash commitments this cycle.

As we dive into July, more prospects have started to announce their decision dates. Ohio State is a top school for a handful of them.

To find out where the Buckeyes stand in the recruitment of those prospects, go here.

Counting down

Buckeyes vs. Indiana: 59 days

Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 143 days

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