The 2022 NFL Draft wrapped up last weekend and the Ohio State football program saw two of its players go in the first round. Both receivers, Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, are primed to have great careers. Both are special players and have a chance to win Rookie of the Year.
Some people have already released way too early 2023 mock drafts. How many Ohio State football players could get taken in the first round next year? Two players immediately come to mind that will be sure-fire picks, and one is more of a question mark.
The two sure-fire first-rounders are C.J. Stroud and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Stroud has a chance to be the number one overall pick if he has himself another great season as he had in 2021. Even if he isn’t, he will be one of the top two quarterbacks off the board early.
JSN was probably the best receiver the Buckeyes had in 2021 despite the fact that both Wilson and Olave went in the first round this year. He is arguably the best receiver in the country this season and has a chance to be a top-10 pick next year as well.
The other player who has a shot at the first round in next year’s draft is Paris Johnson Jr. He will start at left tackle this year after playing at guard last year. He’s a former five-star recruit who was the number one tackle in his class. Talent isn’t the question, it’s the production.
If Johnson Jr. can have himself a solid season, he has the chance to sneak into the first round. Some have him listed as the number one tackle in the Draft, but I’m not ready to go there yet. I’d like to actually see him start some games at left tackle first.
Ohio State has the talent to be really good this season. It’s up to these great Buckeyes to carry the team to where they should go.