Ohio State Football: Mike Weber, Dre’Mont Jones leaving at the right time
Two players have decided to leave the Ohio State football team to enter the NFL draft and it’s the correct decision for both Mike Weber and Dre’Mont Jones.
Over the last few years several Ohio State football players have opted to leave the program and enter the NFL draft with eligibility remaining. Often it was the right decision to do so but not always. However, it is the right time for both Mike Weber and Dre’Mont Jones to move on.
It’s important for players to weigh the risk / reward situation if they return for one more season. There is a good chance neither Weber or Jones would improve their draft stock by returning to Ohio State for one more season but it could drop for each if they would.
First let’s look at the situation with the Buckeye running back.
Weber has rushed for 2,580 yards, averaging 5.9 yards per carry, during his Ohio State career. With his 53 receptions for 289 yards gives that him 2869 yards from scrimmage. He has rushed for 858 yards (5.5 ypc) and totaled 962 yards this season.
From reports I have read, Weber is seen as a mid-round pick and returning for one more season probably wouldn’t raise his draft status. That would require having a monster year and that’s not likely to happen. He would once again be sharing carries with J.K. Dobbins as well as with younger backs coach Ryan Day will be grooming.
Also, NFL general managers always take into consideration how much a player at his position has been used in college because a running back tends to have a short shelf life in the pros. Weber has only had 493 touches in college which means he has taken fewer hits than other backs in the draft, and that should be a plus.
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Dre’Mont Jones is all but a lock to be drafted in the first or second round so he should strike while the iron is hot. Even if he would improve on this year’s stat’s totals, 40 tackles with 13 for a loss, 8.5 sacks, 1 interception and 3 forced fumbles his draft status may not improve.
Jones’ talent isn’t questioned, just whether he will play inside or on the edge in the pros. That will be determined by the draft order and which team needs a player with his skill-set to fit the defensive scheme it runs.
That wouldn’t change if he came back to Ohio State and had another outstanding season but an injury could hurt his draft stock. Jones definitely made the right decision to move on.
Next. Week 5 Big Ten power rankings. dark
Both Mike Weber and Dre’Mont Jones have given Ohio State fans plenty to cheer about and now it’s time for them to get paid for their efforts. I know Buckeye Nation wishes these two players the best and will enjoy following their careers in the NFL.