Ohio State Football: NFL mock draft, where Buckeyes land
21. Philadelphia Eagles: WR Justin Jefferson, LSU
Receiver is a big need for the Eagles, and Jefferson is an impressive weapon that would bolster the Eagles’ offense.
22. Minnesota Vikings (from BUF): WR Tee Higgins, Clemson
Cornerback and wide receiver are the Vikings’ biggest needs, but Higgins is the last of the top-tier receiver talent (Jeudy, Lamb, Ruggs III and Jefferson) before the field levels out. Higgins brings a big play threat for Kirk Cousins to throw to.
23. New England Patriots: DE A.J. Epenesa, Iowa
Quarterback will be a major focus in this draft after losing some guy named Tom, but Epenesa is a highly touted defensive player to bolster Bill Belichek’s defense, which will likely need to be the Patriots’ strength (again) in 2020.
24. New Orleans Saints: ILB Patrick Queen, LSU
The Saints look to be one of those teams where the “need” is nothing more than a depth problem, and with Kiko Alonso coming off his third ACL tear at middle linebacker, Queen fills the Saints’ biggest “need.”
25. Minnesota Vikings: CB Kristian Fulton, LSU
As mentioned at No. 22, the Vikings need a CB and WR. After taking 2019 runner-up Higgins three picks earlier, the Vikings grab national-champion Fulton to bolster their defense.
26. Miami Dolphins (from HOU): OT Josh Jones, Houston
With 14 selections in this year’s draft, the Dolphins have plenty of picks to address all their needs. One of their biggest will be to protect whichever QB they draft (Tagovailoa or Herbert) after giving up a league-high 58 sacks in 2019.
27. Seattle Seahawks: DE Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State
With Jadeveon Clowney still unsigned, the Seahawks will need to add an edge rusher to improve their poor sack total from 2019 (second-worst in the NFL). Gross-Matos was a menace on the defensive side of the ball, and his inspirational story will carry on in Seattle.
28. * San Francisco 49ers (from BAL): CB A.J. Terrell, Clemson
The 49ers trade up here to grab Terrell before another team can take the talented Tigers’ CB to fill another need. The later rounds will be an excellent opportunity for the 49ers to fill their wide receiver need.
29. * Miami Dolphins (from TEN): RB D’Andre Swift, Georgia
Running back is another need for the Dolphins, who trade back into the first round to pick up Swift before the Chiefs can draft him. Ohio State RB J.K. Dobbins is another possibility here, but I think Swift is who the Dolphins take.
30. Green Bay Packers: WR Denzel Mims, Baylor
For the Packers to take the next step to make it back to the Super Bowl, Aaron Rodgers will need more weapons. Mims had a fantastic season in Baylor’s impressive run and would bring an added boost to the Packers’ offense.
31. * Baltimore Ravens (from SF, also No. 156): DT Justin Madubuike, Texas A&M
Similar to the Saints, the Ravens simply don’t have many holes. However, grabbing a linebacker or interior defensive lineman is a position in need of a boost, and Madubuike put up good numbers for the Aggies.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: CB Noah Igbinoghene, Auburn
J.K. Dobbins seems to be a favorite among many here, but the Chiefs need at CB is slightly stronger than their need at running back. Igbinoghene put together an impressive season for the Tigers and would be an important addition for the Chiefs.
With the first round wrapped up and just two Buckeyes off the board, where will the rest of the Buckeyes be drafted?