Opinion: 2016 NFL draft will be loaded with Ohio State talent

Then-sophomore defensive lineman Joey Bosa (97) chases after then-redshirt senior Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner (98) during a game against Michigan on Nov. 29 at Ohio Stadium. OSU won, 42-28.Credit: Lantern file photo Five former Ohio State football players heard their names called throughout the seven rounds of the 2015 NFL draft. The 2016 edition could very well see five Buckeyes announced, as well — in Round 1. The first 32 picks this year were devoid of OSU talent, with wide receiver Devin Smith being the first player selected at No. 37 overall. For the Buckeye faithful, this might have come as a disappointment, as they suffered through dry draft analysis and endless commercial breaks just to witness a mostly scarlet and gray-free weekend. Well, have no fear, because OSU could very well be taking over the NFL rookie landscape a year from now. Of course, much is contingent on several eligible players leaving early. Redshirt junior quarterback Cardale Jones, junior defensive lineman Joey Bosa, redshirt sophomore linebacker Darron Lee and junior running back Ezekiel Elliott could stack the 2017 NFL draft if they so choose to stay for an extra season. But with a national championship and a likely premier spot on the draft board already at hand, why wouldn’t they leave? As it stands right now, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will be uttering the words “Ohio State” quite often throughout the first round next spring. If healthy, Bosa will most likely go No. 1 overall. While there are a couple of other contenders for the coveted spot, such as a pair of Ole Miss stars in offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil and defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche, Bosa’s combination of speed and power have already wreaked havoc on the college scene — and he will still be just 20 years old when the season kicks off Sept. …

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