Ohio State Football: 3 factors define why Buckeyes dominate NFL Draft
The NFL Draft is always a special event for the Ohio State football team. What happens every spring is a testament to the coaches and players, and reflects all the work that goes into making Ohio State an elite program.
This year’s draft will be unusual in terms of execution, but Ohio State football players will be among the top of those chosen. 10 players should get selected, third most since the draft dropped to seven rounds.
Success in the NFL Draft is predicated on several factors and Ohio State is among the best in certain areas. These are three important ones.
Recruiting
Commitment to excellence begins with identifying talent, and more importantly the coaches building bonds with high school players and their families.
The trust built into the recruiting phase allows the coaches to push players beyond where they might go and into BIA territory.
Is there a program that is better at doing this right now than Ohio State?
Tony Alford is finally getting the recognition for work he’s always done well, Kerry Coombs and Brian Hartline are on fire right now.
Top to bottom, Ryan Day’s staff is locked in on getting the players who are fervently devoted to the process in becoming the best.
Player Development
Far too many people think being a great team is easy when you have a cupboard full of five and four-star players. There is some truth in that assumption, at least in winning college games.
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The weakness in that assumption is playing at the next level requires development beyond what suffices in college. That’s where Ohio State shines.
Take defensive line as an example. Evaluating high school prospects, especially interior linemen, is incredibly difficult.
Larry Johnson is a preeminent coach in transitioning these players to the collegiate level and ultimately preparing them to be dominant NFL starters.
Culture
This is what you hear about, but don’t directly see except in-game results. Culture is the glue that separates bad from good, good from great and great from elite.
Ohio State’s culture is rooted in upholding standards which has made it the second-winningest team ever.
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Values like dedication in the weight room, doing well in school, leading by example, bringing your best effort every day and a tremendous hunger for learning don’t get compromised.