Ohio State Football: 9 Buckeyes drafted, impact on new teams
Ohio State had nine players taken in the 2019 NFL Draft, second-most of any team. How will these draftees improve their new teams?
On Saturday afternoon, the 2019 NFL Draft wrapped up, with nine players from THE Ohio State University hearing their names called. When it was all said and done, only Alabama had more draftees with 10, showing that the Buckeyes are still at the top when it comes to producing NFL talent.
With an impressive nine players selected during the NFL Draft, Ohio State gave recruits and scouts alike nine more reasons to consider Ohio State in detail, both as a potential home and as a hotbed for NFL talent.
From Nick Bosa going 2nd overall to Mike Weber being drafted early in the 7th round, the Buckeyes were well-represented, garnering their most draft selections since 2016 when they had 12.
Each player has their own unique skill set that will be important in improving their position on their new teams. Here’s a look at what each player will bring to their NFL team.
1. DE Nick Bosa, 1st Round, 2nd Overall – San Francisco 49ers
Although he only played 3 games for the Buckeyes during the 2018 season, Nick Bosa showed his skill set before that during the 2016 and ’17 seasons, racking up 63 total tackles (23 TFLs) and 13.5 sacks. And in only 3 games during 2018, Bosa gained 14 total tackles (6 TFLs) and 4 sacks.
For the 49ers, Bosa will bring a phenomenal skill set that has already been seen as Pro Bowl-worthy from his brother Joey Bosa. While most draft picks address a team need or hole, Bosa will add to the strongest unit of the 49ers defense, joining the ranks of DeForest Buckner, recently acquired Dee Ford, and Solomon Thomas.
With Bosa and Co., the Niners should have an impressive defensive line for years to come.
2. QB Dwayne Haskins, 1st Round, 15th Overall – Washington Redskins
Like Bosa, Haskins didn’t have a ton of time to prove that he was NFL-ready. I believe that he did prove his talent, throwing for 4,831 yards and 50 TDs (with only 8 INTs) over 14 starts in 2018, as well as an impressive showing coming in for the injured J.T. Barrett in the 2017 win against the rival Wolverines.
Also similar to Bosa, Haskins will be joining a deep position. The Redskins QB room includes Alex Smith, Colt McCoy, and Case Keenum, all three of which have starting NFL experience. However, like the Kansas City Chiefs drafting Patrick Mahomes two years ago, the plan for Haskins should be for long-term success.
With Haskins returning nearby to his home (from Potomac, MD), the Redskins will hope to see him replace Smith much like Mahomes did in Kansas City. (Plus he’ll have a chip on his shoulder.)