Minnich's Musings about where Buckeyes landed via the 2024 NFL Draft
By Chip Minnich
Congratulations to the four (now former) Ohio State football players who were selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. Ohio State fans were feeling somewhat down with the end result, as this marked the fewest number of Ohio State players since 2013.
As I wrote last week, I wanted to offer up some thoughts and perspective on how things finished up with the NFL Draft. Below are three quick points to help tie up the 2024 NFL Draft, as these players will now turn their sole focus on earning a livelihood at their respective NFL franchises.
1. Thank You, Cleveland Browns...Finally
As a lifelong Ohioan from the Cleveland area, it has surprised me, and often irritated me, that the Cleveland Browns would blatantly ignore drafting Ohio State players. Please do not get me wrong - I am not suggesting that the Browns should just draft Buckeyes just because of where they played, but for so many years, the Browns would bypass good players, only to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens happily take those players. Little wonder the Steelers and Ravens have been perennial playoff teams, while the Browns have languished for years.
Now the Browns have seemed to figure it out, having selected Michael Hall, Jr. in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Hall will join recent Buckeye selections Denzel Ward (2018), Dawand Jones, and Luke Wypler (2023). Ronnie Hickman is also on the team, having signed with the Browns as an undrafted free agent. Better late than never, I suppose.
2. Arizona Did Not Overthink It
It had to be tremendously tempting for Arizona with the fourth overall pick to not strongly consider the trade offers that were made by other teams who wanted to move up to draft a quarterback. Arizona made the smart move, picking one of, if not the best, players in this year's draft. Harrison is going to be facing some high expectations by Arizona's ownership, coaches, and fans, but he is the type of player who should be able to not only come in and make an immediate impact but should be able to become a Pro Bowl-caliber wide receiver soon, in the mold of former Cardinals great Larry Fitzgerald, Jr.
3. Solid Destinations Await Stover and Eichenberg
I wrote about this in last week's article that patience would be crucial, and I would believe that both Cade Stover and Tommy Eichenberg had their respective share of anxious moments in last week's NFL Draft, waiting to be selected. Happily for both, each young man is going to situations that will present opportunities for NFL success.
Cade Stover was selected by Houston in the fourth round. Stover is going to a team that is coming off a playoff season, and more importantly, has his former Ohio State teammate C.J. Stroud at quarterback. Stover will be given ample opportunities to become a contributor in the Houston passing game, and should be able to build upon his rapport with Stroud.
Tommy Eichenberg was selected by Las Vegas in the fifth round. Las Vegas' head coach, Antonio Pierce, is a former linebacker and has a number of prominent defensive-minded coaches on his staff (Marvin Lewis, Rob Ryan) in advisory positions. Eichenberg has the grittiness and old-school mindset that should endear him to the coaching staff, and I have no doubt will do everything asked of him as he now becomes a Raider.
Next. Next story. Michigan learning why Ohio State was okay with letting Tony Alford go. dark
The 2024 NFL Draft has come and gone, and now the focus will shift towards the 2024 college football season. Hopefully, these now former Buckeyes will have opportunities to come back to Ohio State sometime this season, to cheer on their former teammates and soak in the atmosphere of the place that helped propel them into the NFL.