The Ohio State Buckeyes are usually well represented in the NFL draft, and this year should be no different. With a couple of players that are likely to go within the first couple of rounds, there are also a handful of former Buckeyes that could also hear their name called as the draft continues to unfold.
The majority of these players surprisingly play on the defensive side of the ball, but there are three offensive players that could become a steal for some lucky NFL team. Defensive linemen Johnathan Hankins and John Simon are both the highlights of this Ohio State draft class, and there is a little bit more depth when you look at all of the players that are eligible.
Johnathan Hankins, DT
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 320 pounds
Most would tell you that Johnathan Hankins is the best overall draft prospect from Ohio State. He put off his senior season to enter the NFL draft and is in competition with a bunch of other strong defensive tackle candidates. The one thing that stands out with Hankins is his size at 6’3″, 320 pounds and his ability to stuff the run.
He has a terrific motor, is physical at the point of attack and would best fit in a 3-4 system playing the nose tackle position.
This could end up being a shocker to most if the best Ohio State draft prospect slips all the way down to the third round.
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 257 pounds
John Simon is an interesting player because he brings a ton of versatility to the table. He could end up playing defensive end or outside linebacker. Giving a team options is always a good thing for a player’s draft stock because it doesn’t limit the possibilities.
Besides versatility, Simon has great leaping ability, a strong upper body, and he does a nice job of shedding blocks. Much like Hankins, Simon also plays the game with a strong motor and appears to have the passion to improve his game.
As you can see in the video, Matt Miller of Bleacher Report believes that Simon would be best in a 3-4 defense because it best fits his athletic ability and would allow for him to be that disruptive defender like he was at Ohio State.
Wherever Simon ends up, he certainly is one of the more intriguing players of this year’s draft class.
Etienne Sabino, LB
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 247 pounds
Etienne Sabino hasn’t received much love leading up to draft day, but he could end up being a steal for some NFL team in the later rounds. Sabino had a decent day at the NFL combine,running a 4.75 in the 40-yard dash and showing off some of his athleticism. He is a well-built player who has the ability to play either middle or outside linebacker at the next level.
Sabino does a terrific job of using his hands and has shown throughout his career at Ohio State that he is a solid open-field tackler.
Reid Fragel, OT
Height: 6’7″
Weight: 308 pounds
Reid Fragel spent much of his Ohio State career playing the tight end position, but then switched to right tackle once Urban Meyer stepped on the scene. What you see from Fragel at the position is good footwork, and he has a bit of mean streak that you would like to see from an offensive tackle.
He has proven over the years to be an athletic player and the fact he is still new to the position is intriguing. The lack of experience on the offensive line makes you wonder just how much improvement he could make with an NFL coach guiding him along the way.
Despite limited time at the tackle position, Matt Miller listed Fragel as the 13th-best offensive tackle in this year’s draft. This of course isn’t the best in the world, but if coaches see the same thing Miller saw when breaking down film, it would allow for the former Buckeye to get picked up in a respectable round.
Jake Stoneburner, TE
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 252 pounds
Jake Stoneburner has decent size at 6’3″, but it is his sure hands that make him stand out as a tight end prospect. With great athleticism and deceptive speed, Stoneburner can get down the line in a hurry and does a wonderful job of hauling in the football away from his body.
Stoneburner can improve his release and quickness off the line, but for somebody who isn’t receiving much draft love, he could become a valuable pickup in the later rounds for an NFL team.
As mentioned in the video, Matt Miller sees Stoneburner as a possible “Joker” tight end, somebody who spends a lot of time in the slot. He doesn’t think the former Buckeye is strong in the blocking department but does believe he will have a much better pro career than he did in college.
Zach Boren, FB
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 238 pounds
Zach Boren isn’t going to be the most talked about Buckeye, but he did do his job effectively during his time with the program. Often the lead blocker for the running game, Boren displayed a great amount of toughness and passion for doing the dirty work that doesn’t receive much credit.
He is quick in the open field and is solid in pass protection. Boren also spent some time at the linebacker position last year, showing off the versatility, as he finished sixth on the team in tackles last season.
With the fullback position being somewhat of a dying breed, Matt Miller only decided to rank five fullbacks for the upcoming draft on his big board. The good news is that Boren was considered the fourth-best at the position, which means there is a chance some team considers him late in the draft.
Nathan Williams, LB
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 241 pounds
Nathan Williams missed most of the 2011 season due to a major knee injury and returned last year, finishing with 40 tackles and two sacks. If it wasn’t for his injury history, Williams may be a little higher on NFL draft boards.
Regardless, Williams is a tough player that can play either defensive end or linebacker. He is an aggressive player that flies all over the field and displays extremely physical tackling ability. Along with the knee injury, there are also questions about his size at 241 pounds.
While two Ohio State players made the list of the top 28 outside linebackers on Matt Miller’s draft board, Williams did not. Maybe this has to do with the lack of size or the injury history that is certainly a lingering concern with NFL teams.
Travis Howard, CB
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 200 pounds
Travis Howard may not be the best cornerback in this draft, but he has a lot of tools that NFL teams are going to like. The first thing that should intrigue you is the fact that he is 6’1″, which will match up well with most receivers at the next level. He is also a physical corner that likes to jam guys at the line of scrimmage and has little issues at helping out in run support.
Howard needs to bulk up a bit more and become a little more disciplined in pass coverage, but there is potential with this kid in the later rounds.
As you can see in the video, Matt Miller likes the physicality of Howard but believes he must improve in man-coverage, as well as finding the ball. He thinks he is a little bit of a project, but also believes that Howard could become a solid player with a little bit of coaching.
Orhian Johnson, S
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 216 pounds
Orhian Johnson is an athletic player that also has versatility considering he played every position in the defensive backfield, as well as outside linebacker for the Buckeyes. The problem is that Johnson isn’t the biggest guy at 216 pounds, and he has a knack for getting lost in coverage, allowing the big play in the passing game.
Johnson can also struggle against quicker receivers.
