Much is made — and rightfully so — about the talent Ohio State lost early to the NFL Draft. Especially on defense.The Buckeyes said goodbye to three defensive backs who still had eligibility remaining when safety Malik Hooker began an onslaught of draft declarations that also included cornerbacks Gareon Conley and Marshon Lattimore. Raekwon McMillan made it four members gone from a unit that finished sixth in the nation in total defense. What is perhaps more staggering is how Hooker and Lattimore were both first-year starters and now look like top-10 picks in the 2017 NFL Draft. In fact, they were two of six first-time starters on Luke Fickell’s defense in 2016. The unit actually statistically improved from a terrific 2015 campaign, one that saw stars Darron Lee, Joey Bosa, Vonn Bell, Eli Apple, Adolphus Washington and all Joshua Perry leave school and get drafted. Safety Tyvis Powell also bolted early and…
Continue Reading: What is Next for Ohio State's Defense? Improving From an Impressive 2016 Campaign With Seven Returning Starters
