Arizona Cardinals General Manager Monti Ossenfort has shown a clear appreciation for Ohio State football players by drafting three of them in the past two drafts: Marvin Harrison Jr., Cody Simon, and Denzel Burke. However, it's not just for their affiliation with the Buckeyes. It's for the unique qualities they bring to the NFL.
In the Cardinals' press conference following Day 3 of the NFL Draft, Ossenfort and Assistant General Manager Dave Searles elaborated on why players from Ohio State, specifically under Ryan Day’s elite program, are highly valued. He takes time to emphasize their experience in high-stakes environments and the rigorous competition they face in practice. Two things that not every college football program can offer its players.
Ossenfort began the press conference by speaking on their selections of Cody Simon and Denzel Burke. Later on, he went into the value of selecting players from a winning program like Ohio State, which has thrived under Coach Ryan Day, saying, "There is value in coming from a winning organization. And guys that are used to winning have seen what it is, played at the highest level, played in games that are really high stakes, and through the playoff run there."
Ossenfort also pointed out the team's competition in practice by going on to say, "I think another added benefit is the competition that those guys practice against every day. We said it when we were in there, nobody's had to have a tougher assignment in practice the last four years than Denzel Burke, the guys he's had to cover in practice. I mean, holy smokes." It's a testament to what Day has built and continues to build in Columbus.
Day has elevated an already prestigious program, consistently producing NFL-caliber talent accustomed to performing under pressure. The Buckeyes’ success in high-stakes games, including playoff runs, equips players with a “championship DNA” that translates to the professional level.
Assistant GM Dave Searles also spoke on an Ohio State player, Cody Simon, who was a late-round pick who earned Defensive MVP honors in Ohio State’s playoff games. Searles noted Simon’s growth throughout his final college season, saying, “His tape improved throughout the year. He had a really strong playoffs.” But it wasn't just his growth, but his leadership too, noting, "He [Simon] certainly has command of the team. And so when you have a command of an elite defense like that, that says something about your character, your knowledge. They're not just going to look to anybody. Those guys are all high-level players that turn to this guy to give him direction. So that's a big factor in it."
The impact Ohio State has on college athletes is undeniable. Ryan Day’s program produces and develops players who are not only talented but also battle-tested, having embraced the pressure of what Ohio State brings and ensuring that players understand that losing at Ohio State is not an option. It's a program with a winning mentality forged in competitive excellence. For the Cardinals, these Buckeyes represent a strategic investment in character, skill, and program evolution.