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Ohio State Football: Zeke, Michael top list of Buckeyes in NFL playoffs

By Charlie Lockhart

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 09: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys leaps past Corey Graham #24 of the Philadelphia Eagles on a carry in the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium on December 09, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 09: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys leaps past Corey Graham #24 of the Philadelphia Eagles on a carry in the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium on December 09, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) /
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There are plenty of former Ohio State football players on the rosters of playoff teams including the NFL’s top rusher and reception leader.

Eight NFL playoff teams have at least one former Ohio State football player on their roster. 19 will be playing in the postseason and six of those Buckeyes are New Orleans Saints.

Is it a coincidence the Saints are the No. 1 seed in the NFC?

Michael Thomas was once again quarterback Drew Brees’ favorite target this season as the third year wide receiver led the NFL in receptions. Thomas caught 125 passes bringing his reception total to 321 in his short career. His career high 1,405 receiving yards made it three straight seasons he has exceeded the 1,000 yard mark.

Ted Ginn Jr. only played five games this season but he was effective when available. The veteran wide receiver caught 17 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns.

The back end of New Orlean’s defense is loaded with Buckeyes. Marshon Lattimore and Eli Apple man the corners with safeties Vonn Bell and Kurt Coleman playing behind them.

For the second time in three years Ezekiel Elliott “carried” the Dallas Cowboys to the playoffs. He led the NFL in rushing once again with 1,434 yards which gives him 4,048 for his career.

Zeke also had his best season catching the football with 77 receptions for 567 yards and his career totals are now 135 for 1,199.

Other former Ohio State players on the Dallas roster are running back Rod Smith and wide receiver Noah Brown.

Here is the list of Buckeyes on the rosters of the NFL playoff teams.

New England: Defensive back Nate Ebner and linebacker John Simon

Indianapolis: Safety Malik Hooker and defensive end Tyquan Lewis

Los Angeles Chargers: Defensive end Joey Bosa

New Orleans Saints: Wide receiver Michael Thomas, wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr., cornerback Marshon Lattimore, cornerback Eli Apple, safety Vonn Bell, and safety Kurt Coleman

Los Angeles Rams: Long snapper Jake McQuade

Philadelphia Eagles: Safety Malcolm Jenkins and punter Cameron Johnston

Seattle Seahawks: Tight end Nick Vannett and offensive tackle Jamarco Jones

Dallas Cowboys: Running back Ezekiel Elliott, running back Rod Smith and wide receiver Noah Brown

The Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens and Chicago Bears don’t have any former Ohio State players on their rosters. Just a thought for Buckeye fans in case that makes a difference in which teams they want to pull for.

Next. Impact of QB Justin Fields’ transfer. dark

The Buckeyes are certainly well represented on the rosters of NFL playoff teams which shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone.

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