The Ohio State football program churns out players in the NFL every year. They are one of the pro football factories across the country. Most of the players end up playing for quite a long time in the league. Some even become superstars at the next level like they were playing for the Buckeyes.
Ohio State has several players in this draft class who are looking to make that leap. They have a shot to get 15 or more players selected in the NFL Draft this season. It will be interesting to see how many of them are actually going to be selected.
Like every program across the country, there are a few busts. The Ohio State Buckeyes look like they had a bust in a recent offensive lineman who was just released by the Tennessee Titans while he was still on his rookie deal. That player is offensive tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere.
Former Ohio State football player Nicholas Petit-Frere gets released by the Titans
Petit-Frere was a Second-team All-American back in the 2021 season. He was the Titans' third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He has actually started 28 games for Tennessee since 2022. Still, he wasn't quite to live up to their standard, which is why he's now released.
Petit-Frere was suspended for gambling to start out the 2023 season, but then was placed on IR just a couple of games after returning. He was demoted to the third string last season after some poor play. It's strange that the Titans decided to release him right now.
This is a move that could have happened after the season ended last year, as opposed to right before the draft. Now they have to figure out their offensive line situation just a week ahead of the draft. They are likely drafting Cam Ward first overall, so it sounds like they need some offensive line help around him.
It'll be interesting to see where Petit-Frere gets his next NFL opportunity. He's certainly still good enough to be on a roster for this next season. He can still develop into a good player.