Ohio State Football: Buckeyes who were 1st round picks in great spots

The Ohio State football team was well represented in the first round of the NFL Draft this year but were players a good fit for teams that chose them?

Three players who wore Scarlet and Gray last season were first round picks in this year’s NFL Draft and another former Ohio State football player went No. 1. Let’s look at whether or not they were chosen by teams that will give them an opportunity to get off to a fast start to their NFL careers.

Joe Burrow has to be included into the mix. He was in the football program for three years, and as a proud graduate of The Ohio State University he will always be a Buckeye.

The situation for the Heisman Trophy winner couldn’t be better. He will be playing close to home, have more home cooked meals than most rookies and fans won’t be as hard on him when he struggles early on.

I don’t think he will struggle that often though with the weapons he has at his disposal.

How many young quarterbacks have a group of wide receivers the likes of the ones he has, per Bleacher Report.

Bengals receivers include A.J. Green, Tyler Boyd, John Ross and the first pick in the second round Tee Higgins. As a Browns fan, I have to admit I’m a little sick thinking about Burrow throwing to those guys.

Now for the next two picks in the draft.

• Chase Young, DE Washington Redskins
• Jeff Okudah, CB Detroit Lions.

The two are not only outstanding players but their skill-sets should improve their team’s defense immediately.

Last year Washington was No. 18 against the pass, 31 against the run and 27th in total defense. Young can terrorize quarterbacks, which will help the pass defense, and also defend the run.

Detroit was No. 31 in total defense, in large part due to giving up more yards through the air than every other team in the NFL. I’m confident Okudah can become a lock-down corner quickly and improve the Lions’ pass defense significantly.

Now for the surprise first round pick.

Damon Arnette, CB Las Vegas Raiders

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My first inclination was that Arnette was chosen a little high with the 19th pick. Now I’m not so sure.

The Raiders were No. 25 in pass defense last year and obviously needed a DB early in the draft, and I think Arnette has the potential to be a good one for years.

My main concern with the CB being drafted so high was that when he got burned early on, or grabbed a receiver so he wouldn’t be, he would take a ton of grief for being drafted so high. All rookie corners struggle going up against veteran wide receivers so that’s not a knock against Arnette, just what will happen.

Then it dawned on me, it’s the Raiders’ first year in Las Vegas so fans won’t be so harsh during the honeymoon period. This could be the best place for the Buckeye corner.

It will be interesting to look back after these Buckeyes have played their first NFL season and see how well they fit with their teams. At this point though, things look promising for each.