How the cancellation of Ohio State football affects the 2021 NFL draft

MAYBE

Tyreke Smith – Junior Defensive End

There isn’t a ton of guys who fit into the mold of the maybe category, and Tyreke Smith’s production of the field has been hampered by injury and big names in front of him such as Nick Bosa, Chase Young, etc. But while Smith has recorded only 3 sacks in two years at Ohio State, he has the chance to become Larry Johnson’s next great pass rusher at the next level. Smith is extremely athletic on the outside in a day and age where NFL scouts are looking for more athleticism than ever before.

At 6’4 and over 265 pounds, he also has great length that is coveted at the next level. If he can stay healthy and gain consistency, it is easy to see how he could be an impact NFL defensive end. Potential over production so far for Smith, so it could be an interesting decision he will be tasked with.

Josh Myers – Redshirt Junior Center

Another Ohio State underclassman lineman makes the list, and for good reason. The Ohio native earned second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2019 and was one of the top overall linemen in the Big Ten. After initially starting his career at guard, he moved to center and found his calling card there.

Like Davis, he is a big guy at 6’5 and 310 pounds. Although not as highly sought after as Davis, he offers the versatility to play center and perhaps guard. A truly great run blocker, he has improved his pass blocking tremendously since his arrival in Columbus. He could choose to follow the path of centers before him such as Pat Elflien of Billy Price and stay for his entire eligibility, so Myers has a difficult decision ahead of him.

UNLIKELY

Jeremy Ruckert – Junior Tight End

I fully believe that Ruckert will be an effective NFL tight end, although it remains to be seen to what extent that will be. Ruckert’s numbers may not wow you, but taking into effect that limited usage of Ohio State and their tight ends, plus a platoon-type tight end room with him competing for snaps with established players such as Luke Farrell and Jake Haussmann among others, it is easy to see how he is overlooked.

On the field though, the 6’5 254 pound Long Island native is not overlooked. With imposing size, great hands (as seen here), and the willingness to block makes him an intriguing prospect with more usage at the next level. Ohio State tight ends haven’t been exactly known for declaring early for the NFL draft, and more opportunities coming his way in 2021 could really boost his stock, but projection and the lure of the NFL could cause him to leave early.

Josh Proctor – Junior Safety

Though Proctor has never been a full-time starter, that would have changed in 2020 before the season was canceled. This one is a long shot as he has just 14 career tackles and one interception to his name in mostly backup duty, but did make four tackles in the CFP semifinal against Clemson.

What Proctor lacks in production, he makes up in potential. Seen as a hard-hitting safety (as seen here), Proctor also has decent size at 6’2 and a little over 200 pounds with good range and solid instincts. This one is a complete shot in the dark, but if Proctor believes he could succeed in the NFL right now and goes out with a good combine, he could warrant a mid-round flier for teams.