Bill Haber/Associated Press Ohio State is going to dominate the 2016 NFL draft. That fact became abundantly clear in the 2015 draft, as the Buckeyes—fresh off their run through the first-ever College Football Playoff—failed to produce a first-round pick and only had five players taken overall. It’s not that Ohio State isn’t talented—it’s that a majority of its top NFL prospects will be back in Columbus this season. That gives head coach Urban Meyer loads of talent as he prepares the Buckeyes for their title defense. His team could have as many as five players taken in the first round next year, with underclassmen such as Joey Bosa and Ezekiel Elliott leading the way. Here’s an early look at the NFL talent who will be lighting it up for Ohio State this fall. Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports The NFL places a premium on pass-rushers—and every team in the league would love to have a J.J. Watt-type of player to anchor their defensive lines. Junior defensive end Joey Bosa has that potential, and if he puts together another productive season for the Buckeyes, he’ll guarantee himself a spot in the top five of next year’s draft. In fact, he has the opportunity to play his way into being the No. 1 overall pick next spring. That’s the case that Bleacher Report’s Ben Axelrod made on Friday. Bosa has the size (6’6″, 275 lbs), speed and work ethic that NFL teams love, and his stats through two collegiate seasons are almost identical to former No. 1 pick Jadeveon Clowney’s. The difference between him and Clowney, though, could come during Bosa’s junior season. The Buckeyes are excited about weak-side defensive end Tyquan Lewis and his ability to serve as an effective counterpunch to Bosa this season. If that’s the case, teams won’t be able to aim their blocking schemes toward Bosa as much, which could result in some big numbers for Ohio State’s budding superstar. Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports Cardale Jones turned down the NFL draft last January in favor of returning to Ohio State’s over-crowded quarterback room. And after just seven signal-callers were taken in last week’s draft, it’s fair to say he could have been a high choice had he elected to go pro. But he returned to Columbus for the opportunity to win the starting job and lead the Buckeyes on another run through the College Football Playoff. He was the only fully healthy quarterback among the Buckeyes’ three elite options—Braxton Miller and J.T. …
Continue Reading: Ohio State Football: Buckeyes' Top 2016 NFL Draft Prospects
