Ohio State football: 2021 Mock draft of Buckeyes 1.0
By Ryan Stano
52. Pick Analysis. Ohio State. 45. player. Scouting Report. CB. Shaun Wade
Shaun Wade probably won’t be able to slide into the first-round after not playing up to lofty expectations in 2020. He was still a consensus All-American and was still the best defensive back on the Ohio State football team. That still matters to NFL teams.
Wade could do no better than to reunite with Urban Meyer in Jacksonville. He would fit right in with a coach that he knows and loves and would have the opportunity to fight for the starting job right away. Jacksonville’s secondary is a complete mess right now.
As a Colts fan, I would hate to see this. But this makes too much sense. Meyer’s familiarity with Wade makes this the perfect fit for both the team and the player.
LB. 55. player. 55. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Ohio State. Baron Browning
Baron Browning has an outside shot to sneak his way into the first round, but it seems unlikely. Pittsburgh would be happy to have him with their second-round pick. Browning would be a nice fit in Pittsburgh as a linebacker who can move sideline to sideline.
The Steelers will likely be replacing Bud Dupree as he looks to find a big payday. Pittsburgh can’t afford him, so they will need to replace him. While Browning doesn’t have the pass-rushing skills that Dupree has, he can still do it well enough. He’s also much better in coverage.
Ohio State. Pete Werner. 51. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. LB. 57. player
Pete Werner is another player who could sneak into the first round with a solid workout before the Draft. Werner had a really good season and definitely improved his stock in 2020. He showed the ability to run downhill and make tackles in running gaps, as well as in space on the outside.
That is the exact skill set that would make him a good fit in Los Angeles. The Rams are in need of linebacker help. They are stout on the defensive line, led by the Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald, but are not as good once running backs get past that initial line.
The Rams are really just in need of more linebacker depth. Werner would give them that and has the ability to start as well. He could be a great contributor for years if he is drafted by the right team.